The prophecies of the Bible show us that the time right before Jesus' return will not be easy for His true followers. In His Olivet prophecy Jesus said His disciples would suffer persecution and be betrayed by [former or false] brethren.

The time prior to Jesus' return is a time when Satan is extremely angry: "Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time" (Revelation 12:12).

Satan knows that he has but a short time, and his anger arises from his realization that he cannot prevent the salvation of Jesus' true followers. He knows that they will go into the kingdom of God at Christ’s return as God's eternal children.

Satan hates God's festivals because they symbolize God's great plan of salvation for mankind. Satan directs his anger especially toward those who are keeping those festivals. So it is no surprise that in our many years of church experience some brethren have been tested at Feast time. Disappointment, opposition, difficulties with people who do not keep God's festivals, false accusations, health problems and at times a general feeling of discouragement for no apparent reason have all been experienced by God's people in the spring and fall when we prepare for God's festivals. Not everyone experiences this, but enough people have that a pattern becomes apparent: Satan knows we will soon be keeping another festival.

Some 3500 years ago the Israelites had nearly completed their exodus from Egypt when they saw Pharaoh approaching with his army as they faced the Red Sea. Satan, a symbol for Satan, wanted to prevent them from leaving Egypt. The Israelites had started their journey with great joy, but the mood changed dramatically when Pharaoh came into sight: "They were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord" (Exodus 14:10).

God's answer was something like "Full steam ahead!". He said: "Tell the children of Israel to go forward" (verse 15).

At this time of year, as we look forward to a wonderful festival season, we should keep our eyes on the goal and not be distracted by the irritations that are Satan’s tactic at this time of year (and again in the fall). We have God’s promise that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

"Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world," Jesus said on the last evening of His human life. And as our high priest, He will help us to able to say the same thing.

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding spring festival season!