What Would You Do?

[PepsiDad]

In the Left Behind series, it was conveyed that Israel was attacked and defended by God's intervention prior to the Rapture. I believe the booked referred to it as the Gog/Magog war, but i could be wrong. Now, I fully understand that this scenario is just one man's interpretation of the end time events to come. I have read other interpretations from various members on this board and elsewhere that the Rapture will happen first, followed by the attacks on Israel.

To be as humbly honest as I can be, my official position is: I just don't know. And, when it all comes down to it, my heart is at peace not knowing the specific chronology of end time events leading up to the beginning of Daniel's 70th week. In my mind, God's plan is already laid out, His will be done, regardless of whether or not I put the puzzle pieces in the right spots.

That being said, I've had somewhat of a dilemma (shaped like a marble) rolling around in my head. At present, I work with a group of guys in a tech setting (computer programmers and the like). All day, every day, I have to put up with swearing, blasphemy, sexist remarks concerning their weekend conquests, and how great the beer was that left them stranded at a bar, calling for a ride.

I want so bad to quit this job, but it's like an anchor holding me back. I have minimal community college educatation, never graduated, so no degree. Yet, over the course of the past 20 years, I've watched my career climb to the point where I am today: $75k/yr, full benefits, matching 401k, even eye care! I have a $1500/mo mortgage, our first house, coming up on five years of ownership. Plus, medically speaking, I have degenerative disk disease (at 40!) and my wife is going through some allergy issues, both of which would break our back account had it not been for the employer-sponsored prescription plan ($100 pills for $5.... Um, heck yeah!).

So, day after day, I stick with my job because I'm too afraid at my age and with my medical issues to interview elsewhere. I couldn't compete with the younger and brighter kids fresh out of school. I stick with it to provide a roof over our heads and a warm, familiar bed to sleep in. I do it so my wife doesn't have to suffer for lack of pills due to lack of dollars.

So, on to the main point/question of this thread: Let's assume for the sake of this discussion that the events depicted in the Left Behind novel is accurate. Israel gets attacked, God intervenes and Israel comes out of it unscathed while her attackers equipment and bodies are strewn far beyond the eye can see. Many in the media offer no feasible explanation, but we here in the forum know exactly what happened.

We know the rapture can't be too far behind this event, but we just don't know the timing. Could be days, weeks, months or even years.

Having seen God micariously save Israel from her attackers, would you continue life as normal, as if nothing happened in Israel, or would you quit your job, cash out your 401K and use it to survive on until the rapture takes place?

My thoughts do lean to the latter. The most exciting prospect of it would be instead of spending all day working for someone else in pursuit of the almighty dollar, I could be at home, immersed into the Word as my full time "occupation" - not stopping until the Bible falls to the floor from my vanishing hands.

So, given that scenario, which again is merely hypothetical as we don't know the day or the hour of the rapture and the attacks, what would you do? I am sincerely interested in your opinions. This has been playing over in my mind for some time now and I'd like to know if I'm missing something. Thank you, brother and sisters.

[PepsiDad]

Let's not turn this thread into a discussion of the meris of the Left Behind novels. I was only using it as an example to set up my question. And let's also not get into a debate about which event happens first. Thats been done seceral times before. Thanks!

[lovePsalm40]

I'm sorry your work situation is hard.

I don't think it is ever wise for a man who is called to provide (husbands are the families priest, provider and protector) to stop working--be it for the Lord or at his job. No matter what is going on in the world around us, we have our 'marching orders' so to speak, and even though we have prophesy about the end, we can't be 100% certain of time spans between events. We're to be like the ant, Prov 6:6, and I don't think that changes with circumstances. I'm a woman, but know my husband's mind would be to keep providing and working until the end. With work, have you tried witnessing to any of your coworkers? Do you pray for them? My husband gives out a book called The Man in the Mirror by Patrick Morley to many men, though he also gives out other books, at the right time...carefully of course.

Remember this, in Jeremiah 29, before v. 11, the people were heading into exile. 70 yrs of trouble and difficulty. Here is what God told them to do: 7 Seek the [c]welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf; for in its [d]welfare you will have [e]welfare.’

I think that principle applies to us here and now. It is often difficult for us, but we are to set up camp and live for the Lord, praying for them and in their welfare, we'll find our welfare, because God has us where we are for a reason--to be a light for Him; our light may be the only one in a dark place, but praise God at least that one is there! This job and life are temporary--keep working hard and saving what you can.

[Tall Timbers]

I wouldn't change a thing. Continue to provide for your family the best you can, be Christ's emissary to them, and keep watching!

[-wrEk-]

I would continue working. We are given the season but not the day nor hour. You could financially put your family at risk, and as you stated, competing with the young, fresh kids would be difficult if another good job was needed. If you haven't witnessed to your co-workers, maybe now is a good time to start. Of course, I wouldn't open the flood gates though. Feel them out and pour it on slow. Who knows, they might take notice and improve their life styles, which in turn would improve the work environment. WIN WIN!!

[Pistos]

The Bride is unlike others, in that, we believe though we have not seen...right?

Why then would we be present for a supernatural event that we'd see?

If we see then believe, what would then separate us from OT & Trib saints?

[Mommytoa3rdgradeboy]

I would continue working. That job may not be there a week later and you may not be able to find anythinthing to support you and your family. That being said, I would probably cash out whatever savings/401K, etc., I have to buy things to stock up on, including a few cans of gasoline. Can you imagine how expensive gas would be under your scenerio?

[Mtown]

The bigger question is, maybe God has you there for a reason? His purpose and for the glory of His Kingdom perhaps? I don't think even if we witnessed an end time event that God wants you sitting at home reading the word when you can be about His work and trying to witness to anyond you can. You are already on the ship, now just throw out some life vests and see if you can bring some people with you.

[PepsiDad]

Thank you, everyone. You've all given me a lot to think about. This is why I love this forum. Truly generous for your words, brothers and sisters!

[BAF]

Hi Pepsidad,

To the wisdom of those that posted before me I would add, remember Jesus ate with the sinners and the lepers. He was the Light in their dark world. Perhaps you are meant to be the light in the dark world of your co-workers. In these last days the darkness will get deeper and darker, therefore your light must shine brighter to overcome it.

[Jlutz]

I would stay, until you have something equal or better lined up. But keep in mind the grass is never greener on the other side. We all deal with these issues. I have found that if you tell people something bothers you they are generally good about watching what they say around you. Most people wont be offended if you ask them to cut down on the swearing in front of you.


If i saw ps 83, Is 17, or EZ 38 happen and we were still here, It would absolutly change how I lived the rest of my life. I'm not sure what i would do differently, but if i was able i would probably quit my job and heavily focus on the people in my family that I knew were not saved. I don't think we will be here to see those events, but if we are, it would definatly be a game changer in how I spent the rest of my time.

[Shonsu]

Keep working and remind yourself that you are in the "mission field" when you are at work. See how many you can bring with you!

[makeupgirl]

I'm going to echo the others. I would stay where you are until God says to move. I think about this a lot actually but the fact that I'm seriously in debt always change my mind. (medical and student loans and the fact that I let one of my credit cards charge off, even though I was making just the min pymts but It's my fault, I should have been paying more attention (sorry I had a moment)

Anyhoo, yeah the itch that it's almost time to go home itches a lot lately. Even though I haven't experience marriage, motherhood, finishing my bachelor degree, becoming a makeup artist, falling in love (I've never been in love before and I'll be 31 next month) but I've also learned that God got this and sometimes he wants us to move out the way, trust him, and let him handle this.

Keep pressing towards the mark and continue to be about our Father's business.

[IMSAVED]

In the Left Behind series, it was conveyed that Israel was attacked and defended by God's intervention prior to the Rapture. I believe the booked referred to it as the Gog/Magog war, but i could be wrong. Now, I fully understand that this scenario is just one man's interpretation of the end time events to come. I have read other interpretations from various members on this board and elsewhere that the Rapture will happen first, followed by the attacks on Israel.

To be as humbly honest as I can be, my official position is: I just don't know. And, when it all comes down to it, my heart is at peace not knowing the specific chronology of end time events leading up to the beginning of Daniel's 70th week. In my mind, God's plan is already laid out, His will be done, regardless of whether or not I put the puzzle pieces in the right spots.

That being said, I've had somewhat of a dilemma (shaped like a marble) rolling around in my head. At present, I work with a group of guys in a tech setting (computer programmers and the like). All day, every day, I have to put up with swearing, blasphemy, sexist remarks concerning their weekend conquests, and how great the beer was that left them stranded at a bar, calling for a ride.

I want so bad to quit this job, but it's like an anchor holding me back. I have minimal community college educatation, never graduated, so no degree. Yet, over the course of the past 20 years, I've watched my career climb to the point where I am today: $75k/yr, full benefits, matching 401k, even eye care! I have a $1500/mo mortgage, our first house, coming up on five years of ownership. Plus, medically speaking, I have degenerative disk disease (at 40!) and my wife is going through some allergy issues, both of which would break our back account had it not been for the employer-sponsored prescription plan ($100 pills for $5.... Um, heck yeah!).

So, day after day, I stick with my job because I'm too afraid at my age and with my medical issues to interview elsewhere. I couldn't compete with the younger and brighter kids fresh out of school. I stick with it to provide a roof over our heads and a warm, familiar bed to sleep in. I do it so my wife doesn't have to suffer for lack of pills due to lack of dollars.

So, on to the main point/question of this thread: Let's assume for the sake of this discussion that the events depicted in the Left Behind novel is accurate. Israel gets attacked, God intervenes and Israel comes out of it unscathed while her attackers equipment and bodies are strewn far beyond the eye can see. Many in the media offer no feasible explanation, but we here in the forum know exactly what happened.

We know the rapture can't be too far behind this event, but we just don't know the timing. Could be days, weeks, months or even years.

Having seen God micariously save Israel from her attackers, would you continue life as normal, as if nothing happened in Israel, or would you quit your job, cash out your 401K and use it to survive on until the rapture takes place?

My thoughts do lean to the latter. The most exciting prospect of it would be instead of spending all day working for someone else in pursuit of the almighty dollar, I could be at home, immersed into the Word as my full time "occupation" - not stopping until the Bible falls to the floor from my vanishing hands.

So, given that scenario, which again is merely hypothetical as we don't know the day or the hour of the rapture and the attacks, what would you do? I am sincerely interested in your opinions. This has been playing over in my mind for some time now and I'd like to know if I'm missing something. Thank you, brother and sisters.

First of all PepsiDad the Left Behind books were great series and brought alot of people to Christ.Although they were fiction.We do not know the timing. God does.We know that things are coming together.I work with a group of people that are not Christian.The things that I hear at my desk makes my hair curlI have talked to a group of people before about my Christian beliefs and have tried to witness.I was told that I could loose my job for doing so.I can hear these people criticizing My Lord Jesus Christ.Blaspheming and making fun of him.It almost makes me want to cry at times.I know that these people will be judged for the things that they are doing and saying.I say a silent prayer right there for these people.That their hearts will be softened and that they will ask Jesus Christ into their lives.We live in an incredibly evil world.Their is going to be nowhere that you will get away from these people who Satan is control of.Continue to do what you are doing for the financial security of your family.Sure if you find a job that makes more money go for it but you will never be free from these secular people until you reach Heaven.
My pastor once told a story of a man who had a great opportunity to get this great promotion in his company.His wages would triple the benefits would be alot better.Although he knew that this job promotion was risky.He would be traveling and knew that many in this class of guys and women stayed in the same hotel and often would have meals together and drink together and some of them had ended up in the same hotel room.The guy figured he is only human why jeopardize his marriage and put himself in this situation.He turned down this promotion even though the money and the benefits were tremendous.This man kept his current position was alot less money.

[Homesick777]

Keep your God given job. Our ministry begins at our feet. Arrive early or stay late occasionally to prayer walk the office and command all evil past, present and future to depart by the authority of Jesus Christ. Name the offenses. Pray that the Lord would make your environment into one which would be pleasing to Him.

There are few things that delight the soul like watching people change and be puzzled by it.

[IMSAVED]

Keep your God given job. Our ministry begins at our feet. Arrive early or stay late occasionally to prayer walk the office and command all evil past, present and future to depart by the authority of Jesus Christ. Name the offenses. Pray that the Lord would make your environment into one which would be pleasing to Him.

There are few things that delight the soul like watching people change and be puzzled by it.

Good post.I agree

[Acts5:41]

Having seen God micariously save Israel from her attackers, would you continue life as normal, as if nothing happened in Israel, or would you quit your job, cash out your 401K and use it to survive on until the rapture takes place?

So, given that scenario, which again is merely hypothetical as we don't know the day or the hour of the rapture and the attacks, what would you do?

No, I would not.

I would use it as an opportunity to witness, to make a left behind kit, and to tell the guys where to find it when you got raptured. I would also rent a movie like "The Moments After", have them over for pizza and soda, watch the movie, and ask them to remember this.

After the event, I would present each of them with a Bible.

Me, I'm giving evangelism 100% every day of the year. Today I handed out 10 Bibles. I share my testimony with everyone who will listen.

In your particular case, think of it this way. If God called you to a mission field would you go? Would you witness to the natives, give them gospel material, and pray fervently for them every day?

Now, look at work as your mission field.

We can't hide our light under a bushel.

How awful to get to heaven, and realize you didn't help anyone else get there.

[$teve]

Keep your God given job. Our ministry begins at our feet. Arrive early or stay late occasionally to prayer walk the office and command all evil past, present and future to depart by the authority of Jesus Christ. Name the offenses. Pray that the Lord would make your environment into one which would be pleasing to Him.

There are few things that delight the soul like watching people change and be puzzled by it.

Yep I agree with this, but also the incredible ministry of caring and providing for your family. This ministry alone should never be underestimated. I don't think it's a small responsibility either but anyway we should bear in mind Luke 16:10 'Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much'.

[steinhatchee]

Keep your God given job. Our ministry begins at our feet. Arrive early or stay late occasionally to prayer walk the office and command all evil past, present and future to depart by the authority of Jesus Christ. Name the offenses. Pray that the Lord would make your environment into one which would be pleasing to Him.

There are few things that delight the soul like watching people change and be puzzled by it.

... That's Right ! I like the way you think !!! We need to be active and rebuke Satan in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour ! We may be persecuted in the process , but being passive is not the way to lead souls to Christ ! Christians may often be in the minority on the job , but that doesn't mean we don't have a voice . We have a right to speak out in an appropriate way and at an appropriate time and declare that Jesus saves and changes lives . I believe in letting my light shine , but also in letting my voice be heard ! Sometimes those who have eyes to see can't see , so they need to hear the Gospel . And for those who have ears to hear and can't hear , they need to see the Gospel . I'm not trying to be confusing here . But , what I'm saying is that we need to be telling others about Christ in every way possible , ... visually through how we live our lives , and verbally through our testimony and sharing God's Word . ( ... of course they both will overlap to some degree .)

For you , PepsiDad , I know what it is like to be surrounded by ungodly people day after day . I graduated from Bible College hoping to begin a ministry in foreign missions . Moved to Florida , married , and was a youth pastor for a while . I left the 'ministry' to go to welding school , ... to support my growing family . Moved to Georgia for the training , and began working in the construction field ... about as low-down and dirty as you can get ( so it seemed) . I was even told that I wouldn't last in construction because I didn't know how to 'cuss' ( whatever that means !) and that I should expect a divorce at some point in my life (... how foolish !!! ) I spent 10 years pipewelding to support my family , hating almost every day of it . The only thing that kept me going was the fact that one day God changed my attitude toward my co-workers . One particular day , just before Christmas , I was at work and had been talking to a guy about the Lord . The converstation was rather 'intense' , and I was not very aware of what was going on around me (... which was not a habit for me on the job ... God wants us to take our jobs seriously , after all He gave me that job ! ) . Suddenly , someone interrupted us , but with questions concerning what we were talking about . We didn't realize it , but about 20 other men were standing there listening to the entire conversation . They were eager to hear what was being said . It was then that God spoke to my heart and let me know that even though those men were rough and tough on the outside , many of them were crying out for help on the inside . All the while , I was crying out for God to move me to another job ! I felt a little like Jonah , and somewhat ashamed of my attitude . From that point on I had to remind myself often that God is at work , even if we don't see what He's doing . Kind of like a seed that germinates underground , ... sometimes it can take weeks , some cases years before it surfaces to the light of day . I've got some bamboo that , when planted , can take up to 5 years before it sends up a cane . We have to be patient , and faithful to His Cause ! Even if you never see a life changed , you may just be planting some seeds , and God will send another to water . God eventually moved me from construction , and I am now home with my 6 kids , ... homeshcooling , teaching English as a second language , teaching teenage Sunday School & Wed. night classes at church , ... among a few other small duties . My point is , we don't always know how long God is going to keep us where we are . Until He moves us we should faithfully do what we know to do . It may get old and frustrating , but one day , ... when we get to Heaven , He will show us all that He was doing and it will all make sense then ! We will be amazed at the ways God used our 'weaknesses' to accomplish His perfect will. And we will forever sing something of the sort 'To God be the glory great things He has done '!!!!!!!!!

It's not about money , it's not about insurances , it's not even about our happiness in this life . We were created for His glory , it is all about Him ! He knows your needs , whether physical , spiritual , or financial . And He will ALWAYS provide for His children ! ... even when we don't know for ourselves what we have need of ! Well , again , I've said enough , if not too much . So , good night , and God bless !!!

[jeri559]

I recommend that you do not quit your job. Continue to pray and ask God to help you change the work environment and your co-workers lives. A good friend of mine worked in an office where there was a lot of tension and back stabbing among many of her co-workers and it eventually involved her. She and another Christian co-worker arrived early one morning before everyone else arrived and prayed over each individual work station for that employee by name then trusted the situation to God's hand. You know it worked and God intervened and healed that office. If God wants you in a different job or career, He will guide you and open doors for you in such a way that you will know it is His leading. As we know, we do not know the day or hour that God will call us home but until then there is a mission field and God is calling us to help with the harvest. I will pray for God to give you wisdom and discernment in this situation and the courage to witness to these people and if His will, direct in you in another path. God Bless...