Matthew 24:9-14

Matthew 24:9-14 
The Message (MSG)

  If you've ever been in a tough situation, you've probably heard someone tell you that things will only get better.  Unfortunately, there's no guarantee that things will always get immediately better.  Sometimes, they get worse first, and we wonder if there is any hope.
  Jesus is telling the disciples that things may get tough for the church.  Then, when things are rough, they may actually get worse.  Not only will everyone hate the church and persecute them, but then some preachers will come forward and will be lying and deceive people.  Evil will spread all around, and every time things get bad, someone will wonder if they've reached the bottom, and then they might just get worse.
  Jesus, however, assures the faithful to endure.  Like a loving parent promising their child dessert if they'll finish the vegetables on their plate, Jesus knows that the good will eventually triumph over evil.  There is no doubt over who will win -- just as God has kept every promise, God will assuredly be victorious in the end of days, and whoever endures will join in this triumph.
  Jesus never promises that it will be easy.  But he does promise that the faithful will be saved, and that God is in control.