No doubt much suffering in our life could be averted if we would remain in prayer, seeking always that we may remain in "the secret place of the most High."

Many afflictions, snares, and doubts come upon us because we are not serving God with all of our heart, all of our mind, all of our soul, and all of our strength.

The huge, fiery-red dragon, in a rage because the overcomers have prayed through to victory until he has been forced from his place of spiritual rulership over the world, will do everything in his power to persecute the Lord's people. But the Ninety-first Psalm will hold firm and true no matter what comes to pass on the earth.

Every person who takes refuge in the Lord in the day of Antichrist will be protected by the "mighty Fortress."

And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. (Revelation 12:14)

The prophets teach clearly that the saints on earth during the reign of Antichrist will be persecuted. This will be true also of those who are Jewish by natural birth whether or not they are Christians, as we understand the Scriptures.

In Germany, during World War II, the Jews were persecuted viciously. Perhaps this gives us some idea of the greater trouble yet to come.

The Lord Jesus will reveal Himself to a remnant of His own people by race, the nation of Israel, during the early part of the tribulation period. This is our understanding, drawn from the example of the life and work of the patriarch, Joseph.

During the reign of Antichrist, the testimony of the saints, both Jewish and Gentile by race, will be beaten down. Christ will allow this setback of the Divine witness so the reign of Antichrist can bring forth the maturity of wickedness of the tares that Satan has planted in the earth.

That which hinders the full expression of Antichrist (II Thessalonians 2:7), which is the Holy Spirit-empowered testimony of the saints (Revelation 11:3), will be removed as an obstacle to the rise to prominence of the man of sin. The latter-rain testimony will be "killed," as symbolized by the death of the two witnesses (Revelation 11:7).

And he [Antichrist] shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out [wear down] the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. (Daniel 7:25)

And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was on the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. (Daniel 12:7)

To be continued.