When Troubles abound, our Hearts Long for Home

It seems like everyone Altha and I know is experiencing severe distress: physical, financial, relational. Is it possible these increased troubles are evidence the Lord is pruning, purging, and purifying His church for His eminent return (1 Peter 4:12-13; 1 Cor. 11:31-32; Heb. 12:5-11)?

After all, isn't it the purpose of the Holy Spirit to prepare the Bride for the return of her Bridegroom? So He can present her to Christ, without spot, wrinkle, or blemish (Eph. 5:27).

If, in the end times, the love of many will grow cold (Matt. 24:12), doesn't it make sense He will do everything necessary to increase the longing of our heart for “home” and for “Him” (Phil. 1:21-23)? Is it possible the severity of our trials means His Return is near? Do you find yourself more often than you used to, looking at each other at the end of one of those hard days, and saying, “Is He coming soon”(Rev. 22:7, 20)?