Wars, uprisings, famines, earthquakes, plagues, and terrifying sights from Heaven will dominate the first half of Daniel’s 70th Week. Unfortunately, that’s just the beginning. Jesus warned in Matthew 24:9 that we would be persecuted, killed and hated by all nations because of His name. He added in Matthew 24:10-13 that many Christians will forsake their faith and betray other believers, false prophets will be all over the place and there’ll be plenty of haters.
Jesus went on to explain in Matthew 24:15-21 that after the Abomination of Desolation takes place, the Great Tribulation will be underway. The fourth seal of Revelation 6:7-8 also prophesies about this coming period. John saw a pale green horse whose rider was named Death and there will be plenty of that during the Great Tribulation.
After his successful invasion of Israel, Daniel 11:32 says the Antichrist will use flattery to corrupt anyone that rejects God’s promises to Israel, particularly the Jewish people’s right to the Promised Land. The Great Tribulation will have arrived, and although many Christians will abandon the Lord, true soldiers of Christ will be engaging in battle for the King.
At this time, Daniel 11:32 prophesies that “the people who know their God will display strength and take action.” Daniel 11:33 says that faithful followers of Jesus will point to fulfilled prophecies and declare the soon return of the King. For boldly standing with Christ, His followers will be captured, plundered and killed. It will be a great honor.
Now, Daniel 11:34 does say that Christians will receive some help from non-Christians that refuse to worship the Antichrist and take his mark. Unfortunately, it also says that some people will infiltrate underground churches to betray Christ-followers. Many believers will suffer, but Daniel 11:35 says that these trials are going to refine and purify followers of Jesus while we wait for His return.