Q: Is it true (as I’ve heard some preachers say) that the world will get worse and worse before Jesus comes again? How bad do things have to get before Jesus will return? Are we in the final days now, do you think? — Mrs. K.G.

A: One of the Bible’s greatest promises is that someday Jesus Christ will return — and when He does, He will destroy all evil and will rule over the world in perfect peace and justice. The Bible calls that event “the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).

Until that day, however, our world will lurch from crisis to crisis, frantically looking for solutions to the problems that constantly threaten to destroy us — but without lasting success. In fact, Jesus warned that as the end of the present age approaches, the world will only get worse. Natural disasters will ravage the earth; false prophets will arise; wars and conflicts will grow worse. Jesus warned, “Then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now — and never to be equaled again” (Matthew 24:21).

Are we living in the last days? This may well be, for many of the signs that Jesus said must appear before His coming are already on the horizon. I often think, for example, of His statement that the end will come once the Gospel has been preached to the whole earth — something that is now possible through modern technology (see Mark 13:10).

The real question, however, is this: Are you ready to meet God — whether at Christ’s coming or at your death? You can be, because God did everything that is necessary to save us by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. Welcome Him into your life today.

Q: If people want to believe in God that’s all right with me, but as far as I’m concerned God is a myth, and we only have ourselves to rely on in order to get through life. I don’t mean to offend you, but in my opinion God is just for weak people. — P.M.L.

A: My heart goes out to you, because when hard times come your way (as they do for all of us), you have nowhere to turn for help and comfort and hope. You can only rely on yourself — and if you’re honest, that means you’ll end up in despair.

To be candid, your problem can be summed up in one word: pride. The real reason you don’t believe in God is because you want to run your own life — and in your pride, you think you can. But is that true? How do you know the decisions you’ll make about your life will turn out to be right? How will you react when circumstances turn against you — an unexpected illness, a financial reversal, a broken relationship? History demonstrates over and over the truth of the Bible’s warning: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

My prayer is that you will honestly face your need for God. Don’t let anything — pride, a sinful habit, an immoral relationship, or anything else — keep you away from God. God loves you, and Christ gave His life for you.

A life without God is a life without meaning — and without hope. Don’t stay on that road any longer, but by faith turn to Jesus and discover the joy and peace and new life He alone can give you. Jesus’ words are true: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit www.billygraham.org.