Many do not realize that a great time of persecution for christians will be a forerunner of this great tribulation.  There is without question a good reason for us to know and understand the things which are about to befall us.  The sad truth is that many of those who think they shall escape the evils of persecution shall not. 

Yet, there is a definite promise given to an elect group of people promising them that they shall indeed be protected until the time of the rapture in which they shall be air lifted off of the planet.  What few christians desire to acknowledge is that the bible also promises christians that their prayers shall be answered, all of their needs shall be supplied,  all of their sickness and diseases shall be healed, and their shall be a great outpouring of wealth upon then true family of God. 

While all this is and should be acknowledged throughout the church, the sad reality is that due to a lack of  faith, or a life of sin, or for whatever reason, christians do not always have their sickness and diseases healed, their prayers are not always answered, and many suffer the bondage of financial poverty.  This should convince us that everything promised must always be received by faith and that the christian, while having the promise of God's Word, does not always benefit accordingly.  We need to understand the biblical truths revealed throughout this book, if we are to receive the blessed hope of the promises within.