Understanding the Times: A Time for Choosing

Over the past year history accelerated. In 2025, wars raged, peace was declared, and culture continued deteriorating. The Middle East, Europe, Asia and America continued to shape our world. While events may seem far from you, they likely contributed to anxiety in your life. As much as we want to live at peace in our neighborhood, history tells us the world is interconnected. What happens in Asia impacts Europe. What happens in Latin America impacts North America—and vice versa. We cannot hide from world events.

With 2026 before us, we should consider where we are in the march of history, as God moves the world closer to the climax—the second coming of Jesus Christ. That day will come, and we need to be watching for significant events that will precede it. Even when events seem to calm, time marches on—and we must continue to be mindful.

The Bible has a term for ignoring what’s happening. It’s called “sleep.” Spiritual sleep is as lethal as carbon monoxide gas—silent and deadly.

Listen to what God inspired the apostle Paul to write: “But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober”  (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, emphasis added throughout).

This does not mean we should expect the end to come at any moment. There are definite signs and trends that will precede the catastrophic events before Christ’s return. This end may not come as swiftly as we anticipate—and today’s trends help to inform us on that. While we live in the end time (see our free study guide Are We Living in the Time of the End?), there are indications that this world has some time left.

Scripture encourages discerning the times we’re in—and responding accordingly. Even if the wait before the onrush of final calamity is longer than we might expect, that is no reason to let down. Events could still proceed quite rapidly. And in any case, however long we have is an opportunity to make good use of the time available. The question is, what will you do in terms of the way you live your life and raise your family? This is a time for choosing, and it is vital you understand what you should do.

The example of the sons of Issachar for our day

There is an episode from the Bible to illustrate this time of choice. In 1 Chronicles 12 we read the story of people embracing the leadership of David, whom God had chosen to be king in place of Saul. When Saul died, David was made king over the southern tribe of Judah. But the northern tribes still followed the house of Saul, propped up by his general for several more years. As the north’s leadership was fracturing, realization was dawning that the future lay with David, and we see how some were negotiating the moment with wisdom and courage.

This is especially the case with the leaders and people of the tribe of Issachar, as they pledged loyalty to the new king in the south. Notice the wording: “. . . of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command” (1 Chronicles 12:32).

Those described here made a hard assessment of the events of their time. Power was shifting. God was moving among His people. Yet they had to choose the national leader to follow. Their well-being depended on the choice. They made the right choice to align with David. God had chosen David. Now the nation would prosper under his rule.

We are at such a moment in terms of a great shift in the world and choosing what leader we will ultimately follow. Whom will we serve?

This is not about choosing a political leader from any world power. It is about choosing to serve the One whom the Father has chosen to rule the world—Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and ruling King. It is about rejecting the current ideologies—most of which further confuse people about God, biblical values and true spiritual principles. It certainly is not about any of the current world religions. They are bankrupt when it comes to the teaching that leads to worshiping God in spirit and truth (see John 4:24).

It involves for us today trusting Him and God the Father in moving today’s world toward the time when the Kingdom of God comes to earth—recognizing what is happening and submitting to Christ’s rule even now. God’s Kingdom is not yet here ruling the nations. When it arrives, you will know. And it’s important to prepare now for the coming change in world order—and the calamitous times that will usher it in.

Before Christ’s return—Europe’s rise and America’s fall

But how close is that change? Will the world be set free from the way things are tomorrow? Not right away. Scripture shows that a final revival of the Roman Empire will emerge in Europe before that to dominate the globe. It will in the end be opposed by a powerful bloc of nations to the east. (See our free study guides The Final Superpower and Russia and Bible Prophecy.)

The world’s preeminent superpower of today, the United States of America, will then be greatly diminished in power—even suffering devastation at that time. We know that because we understand the identity of the United States, along with Great Britain and other related nations, in Bible prophecy.

Indeed, the modern fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham through Israel is the defining biblical truth of the modern geopolitical world. God’s enduring promise to Abraham unlocks the key to understanding the message of the biblical prophets for today. These ancient prophecies are headlines of today’s world events. They concern not only the Jewish people, but the present role of America among the nations. (Be sure to read our free study guide The United States and Britain in Bible Prophecy.)

American leadership on the world scene was foretold in Scripture—as was the nation’s fall to the end-time European power. How close are we to that outcome?

We, of course, don’t know for sure—because God can bring change quickly. But for the present, U.S. power in the world remains at the forefront by far, with other nations and international power blocs, including the European Union, significantly behind.

That lets us know that, though there are warning signs, the end is not yet. The international scene must yet change dramatically before the final calamitous events of the end of the age come on the world. Yet it looks like things will continue with the United States on top for a while.

Let’s take a closer look at the world scene today to see this more clearly.

Where things presently stand—U.S. resurgent despite divide

Politics and personality should be put aside as we objectively look at the current scene. With Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency, consequential events have transpired. The direction of America abruptly changed.

Because of the nation’s prominent position in global affairs, what happens in America impacts the rest of the world in significant ways. Many in other nations may resent that, but it’s a fact of geopolitics today. The American president commands vast power. It is not always handled righteously or well. But it is consequential.

Note some changes of the past year. The country’s southern border was sealed, halting uncontrolled illegal entry by millions. Law enforcement agents began the systematic process of returning people who entered unlawfully—including many drug traffickers and other criminals intent on doing harm.

This is not to disparage many desperate people desiring a better life in America. Many flee the corruption, crime and poverty in their native land. Yet human migration has evolved beyond the “huddled masses yearning to breathe free,” becoming a means to undermine the rule of law and a nation built on vital freedoms.

The pace of action taken by the current administration is unprecedented. It is also highly controversial—with resistance from the opposing party and ongoing challenges in the courts. American politics and culture have seen increased turmoil in the past quarter century, with the nation heavily split. Every major state and national election is hotly contested, and there is real fear of civil strife erupting on a scale that could do real harm to the nation.

Yet despite all the problems, much has been done to help sustain the country’s strength and to project continuing power and influence around the world. Again, this is not a political or nationalistic sentiment. It is simply an observation of fact. We are seeing a resurgence of America. As long as it lasts, it will have consequences, and it is significant in considering where we are in the flow of end-time events.

Continuing international preeminence

Let’s look further at some specific examples from the past year of unrivaled U.S. dominance on the world stage.

Strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities: On June 22 America sent bombers over Iran, striking and destroying its nuclear capacity. The Fordow uranium‑enrichment facility, the Natanz nuclear facility and the Isfahan nuclear technology center in Iran were attacked. The operation involved stealth aircraft (B-2 bombers), very large “bunker buster” bombs, and Tomahawk missiles from submarines. The stated objective was to degrade Iran’s nuclear-enrichment infrastructure and delay its capacity to acquire a nuclear weapon (or to move further toward one) by striking deeply buried facilities like Fordow. The United States sought to support Israel’s aim of stopping Iran’s march to nuclear acquisition.

This attack stunned the world. It reset strategic relationships in the region. Other Arab states feared a nuclear Iran. It showed how Israel and America were prepared to act in preventing further escalation of conflict in the region. No other world power could do what the United States did that day—its bombers flying halfway around the world for a precision strike and then returning unharmed to their base in mid-America.

Europe comes to Washington: On Aug. 18 the White House hosted a group of leaders from Europe. The purpose was to address the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, specifically focusing on how the United States, Ukraine and European nations could coordinate their efforts. Sitting before the U.S. president in his office were the leaders of Ukraine, Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy and Finland, along with the European Commission president and the secretary-general of NATO.

One of the main agenda items, strongly emphasized by European leaders, was security guarantees for Ukraine, similar to protection offered under Article 5 of the NATO treaty for its members. It was stressed how Europe needs to shoulder more of the burden for Ukraine’s long-term security, though it was also stated that America would participate.

The meeting came at a moment of transition in Europe’s view of its security posture. Some European leaders emphasized the need for Europe to assume greater responsibility rather than rely solely on the United States. By convening this large group at the White House, the president positioned himself as a broker in the Ukraine conflict.

The point to note here is that Europe came to America. America is the only nation currently able to command such respect as to have Europe’s leaders gathered before its president’s desk. This fact underlines America’s dominant position astride world affairs. Europe has a major role to play in Bible prophecy, as earlier noted. But its nations are far from being a cohesive power playing a significant military role in the world, as foretold (see Revelation 13:4). At present, America is the key player.

The Gaza peace agreement: On Oct. 9, Hamas and Israel signed the initial phase of a deal under the U.S.-brokered “20-point plan” for Gaza. The agreement called for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza and an Israeli withdrawal to predefined lines in the Gaza Strip. Other points included the release of all remaining Israeli hostages by Hamas in exchange for the release of large numbers of prisoners and humanitarian and reconstruction provisions and aid to rebuild infrastructure in Gaza.

The Gaza peace agreement ends a horrendous two-year war. Israel’s reputation on the world stage has been severely damaged. A terrible cost has been paid by all sides in death and destruction.

The U.S. administration has positioned itself as a broker of a major Middle East peace. This could reenergize American involvement and credibility in the region. Western European states, having long pushed for steps toward a two-state solution, see this as a window of opportunity to engage in reconstruction, greater stability and perhaps reduce refugee flows and humanitarian burdens. Positive economic impact may draw international investment and private sector interest and potentially open new markets and trade corridors in the region.

The book of Revelation details the end of the age revolving around a global economic boom that promises peace and prosperity. Merchants of the earth will prosper with the rise of a global power called Babylon, led ultimately by the end-time European-centered power. This system will combine politics, religion and economic prosperity to create an unprecedented world order. At the heart of the current peace movements in the Middle East we can see a path leading toward that.

For now it is American power that is driving all this. The point again being that we are not yet at the time of the collapse of America and the rise of the final European empire and the calamity that immediately precedes the return of Christ.

Awaiting the Kingdom, what will your choice be today?

While the end is not yet, we must not become complacent. Prophesied events will occur. Armies will one day converge on Jerusalem. World leaders will negotiate agreements and settlements involving Israel and surrounding countries.

A New York Times picture showed tens of thousands of Gazan refugees streaming back from exile to their ruined properties. Looking at the picture conjures scenes from the Bible of future refugees from a great world tribulation coming into the land of Israel at God’s call to rebuild the cities under the rule of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

One day that rule will be announced to the world. Until then what should our focus and action be?

The sons of Issachar understood the time and knew not only what Israel should do but what they should do. Do you know what you should do? Looking at the world in 2026, just what should be your reaction?

We are not at the point of events that will trigger the final events before the second coming of Jesus Christ. But the world could change quickly, as we’ve seen. A few major natural disasters could change the standing of nations drastically. And more importantly, for each of us individually our time could be up at any moment in death. None of us knows how much time we have.

So we should not imagine that we have plenty of time. Rather, we need to make good use of the time we have. As Jesus Himself said about the work He came to do, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). This also applies to those carrying on in that work today, His Church in its mission to proclaim His gospel while there is time. But it further applies to all of us responding to the gospel—each carrying out our individual responsibility of seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33).

Now is the time to prepare your life for God’s Kingdom coming to this earth—submitting to the rule of Jesus Christ even today. Now is the time to live righteously, repenting of sin and living as God commands, alert to the true meaning of world events. Continuing where we left off earlier in 1 Thessalonians 5, let the words of the apostle Paul be your guide:

“For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing” (verses 7-11).

God is guiding history. Keep alert and follow Him. He will guide your understanding to the light—and to receiving Him and His ways into eternity!