Let’s be real. Disappointments are a real bummer. They can leave us with the feeling of having our feet pulled out from under us. Like we’ve been shot into outer space with no place to land our feet solidly.

No matter what the situation is, I’ve found there is a pattern to experiencing this sensation. First, our minds are set in thinking events will happen in one particular way. Nothing can change it. After all, we’ve assessed all signs and put the pieces together to arrive at our conclusion. So, rationally we think there’s no chance it’s going to be any other way than how we picture it.

Then reality enters onto the scene and things don’t turn out the way we planned. Tadah! In rolls disappointment.

Currently, I hear that many think the church will be taken to heaven on September 23. How did this conclusion come about? Some teachers and experts of prophecy, the Word of God, and the Jewish calendar have looked everything over and declared it could happen. As a result, there are some who accepted and claim the rapture will come true on that exact date.

My warning to those caught in that way of thinking is to keep in mind the words of the old adage – history does repeat itself.

Remember how some of the followers of Jesus along with the palm waving citizens at Passover thought Jesus was the conquering warrior they had long awaited. (John 12:12-16) They just knew He was going to take down the Romans and give them freedom from oppression. Wrong. The freedom they – and us – received was a spiritual freedom. Yes, they were initially broken hearted at his death because they were still under the cruelty of the Romans, yet soon they discovered victory through his resurrection.

As for today, several verses apparently have been overlooked. Matthew 24:14, 36-44; Mark 13:10, 32-37; Luke 11:17; 1 Corinthians 14:33 are among those. The key one is when Jesus tells us that only the Father in Heaven knows the day and time when the end arrives. To give a specific date comes against this teaching.

Yes, we’re close and getting closer. But we’re not there yet. And, no one can tell us what day, or time of day, the rapture will take place. Until that moment, live each day to the fullest and enjoy your work for the Lord.

He is our hope and He is always with us.