I know people so fearful about the future that they are spending all their money and time preparing for the end of the world. At first when they explained their plan, I was caught up in it until I began thinking about faith. While it is definitely good and right to prepare, we should remember that the best preparation is spiritual and emotional preparation. "...the Lord is in control. He knows the end from the beginning. He has given us adequate instruction that, if followed, will see us safely through any crisis...today we must be careful to not overreact, nor should we be caught up in extreme preparations; but what we must do is keep the commandments of God and never lose hope!" M. Russel Ballard, October 1992
Jesus will come again, in power and glory claiming the earth as His kingdom and the beginning of the Millennium. “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).
"The Second Coming will be a fearful, mournful time for the wicked, but it will be a day of peace and triumph for the righteous." lds.org
“They that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day. And the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance; and they shall multiply and wax strong, and their children shall grow up without sin unto salvation. For the Lord shall be in their midst, and his glory shall be upon them, and he will be their king and their lawgiver” (Doctrine and Covenants 45:57–59).
Whenever I hear predictions about the end now, I smile a bit to myself. After all there is a 50/50 chance they are right. However, “The hour and the day no man knoweth, neither the angels in heaven, nor shall they know until he comes” (Doctrine and Covenants 49:7).
Nevertheless, we can look for signs of this grand and glorious event: apostasy from gospel truth (Matthew 24:9–12; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–3), restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and His church (Acts 3:19–21; Revelation 14:6–7; D&C 45:28; 133:36), restoration of priesthood (Malachi 4:5–6; Doctrine and Covenants 110:11–16), coming forth of the Book of Mormon (Isaiah 29:4–18; 3 Nephi 21:1–11), gospel preaching throughout the world (Matthew 24:14), terrible wickedness, war, and turmoil (Matthew 24:6–7; 2 Timothy 3:1–7), signs in nature (Joel 2:30–31; Matthew 24:29–30).
Instead of worrying about the exact timing of the Savior’s Second Coming, let us prepare spiritually, emotionally, and yes, physically, (Luke 21:34-36; 2 Peter 3:10-14). Peace of mind come with steady preparation but extremes in any area bring anxiety (John 14:27). Fear is not of God (2 Timothy 1:7). “Be not troubled, for, when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled” (Doctrine and Covenants 45:35).
