Better to emerge as one of the multitude from the great tribulation than to be on earth when the 7 Trumpets sound. We may be put in prison and put to death, but those on earth when the Trumpets sound will go through fire, torture, and fury and will wish for death but won't be able to find it. I haven't decided if I believe we are entering these times yet or not. Sometimes it seems like it, but other times it feels like we're not quite there yet. And God is patient that all might be saved, so this could be an awakening that brings more people to God. Either way, we should always be ready because any of us could lose our lives tomorrow for all we know. Our lives are only temporary, and we should prepare for the day when Jesus will return because we don't know when our own last day will be.