Dear Scared One,
Wow, you have a lot of very deep questions. A child of God has nothing to be afraid of because we belong to Jesus Christ and He shall protect us. I do not think anyone has all the answers to your questions. Why? Because they are part of the unknown, but the Bible does give us a heads up on many issues. Are we close to the coming of Jesus? I would say according to the Bible yes…. But then the writers who penned the Bible said to stay ready and be watchful. In their time they thought Jesus could return so how much closer now….

I do believe the teaching of Paul back then and now is very IMPORTANT for us to remember … But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus… For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

The key words to look at here are “ignorant” and “comfort.” Ignorant means to not understand something and we cannot comfort someone or our self with something we do not understand. So I would say we must understand that Jesus is coming back for His believers. Some people do not believe that but it is like the heaven and hell teaching. Whether we believe or not, it is truth.

If we keep our focus on this truth then we can all live this life with peace and joy because no matter what is around the corner for us, Jesus has it handled. I am just passing through this life as it is taught in the Bible, and I am a sojourner with a mission to bring others to know the only living hope… Jesus!

Now to stockpile provisions. I always feel the lord will provide but wisdom is to keep things such as water, food, flashlights and batteries, etc. in case of an emergency. I do not think we need to stockpile provisions because God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble….. Fear not says our God.