The Lord brought another analogy to my mind about the rapture and 70th week this morning while I was out walking. The world today is like a ship being tossed to and fro in an increasingly tempestuous storm. The wind, the waves, the torrential rain, the strong current all, in this analogy, represent the various kinds of evil that are assaulting the earth right now, seeking to destroy it and to run it aground upon Tribulation (capital T) Isle. The Restrainer, the Holy Spirit indwelling the Body of Christ, is the anchor that continues to hold the ship in place out on the sea, refusing to allow the vessel to be moved despite the assault from the storm. The anchor rope itself is like the age of grace, which holds the Restrainer in place to keep the ship from being shipwrecked on Tribulation Isle until its appointed time. A moment is coming soon when the Hand of God will reach down with the Scissors of Heaven to cut the rope, ending the age of grace, removing the effect of the Restrainer (anchor), and allowing the ship to now be driven along in an unrestrained manner by the evil (wind, rain, current, waves), which results in its arrival at its shipwrecked destination of Tribulation Isle (70th week). The encouragement to the body is this. No matter how bad the storm may get while we are still on the ship, the Anchor/Restrainer will not permit us to be driven onto Tribulation Isle until the rope is cut (age of grace ends), at which point we are rescued from the ship in a great escape via helicopter (the rapture) before the shipwreck. I know this is nothing new in concept for those who regularly frequent this site and embrace the sound doctrine of a pre-70th week harpazo, but I found this to be an encouraging reminder and wanted to share it. No matter how bad the storm gets, the anchor will hold until the helicopter arrives. And if you have ears to hear, the whir of the helicopter blades is clearly audible. Maranatha!!! Thanks for the though! Indeed we all need encouragement on a daily basis! No matter the analogy, truth always is manifest. I am encouraged by whatever means the Lord employs. Let us continue to encourage each other, as this is the Lord's heart! TR The sea is getting choppier. However we are looking to see the chopper. I like your analogy. Amen! My husband was in Coast Guard before i met him & we watched rescue training videos recently on u tube...i'm glad we don't have to go up in a basket on a rope, but yes, can't wait for our physical rescue outta here by the One Who's already rescued us spiritually...(the insane wind we've been experiencing in TX may just be the heli approaching to remove us from danger and take us to our safe haven!) Indeed, we are close! But none can say how close. There is encouragement found even in this statement! We may very well be taking our last steps in our faith walk! Even Paul knew when his race was over. Every journey begins with a first step. Likewise, every journey ends with a last one! This is also encouraging! The saints shall indeed go marching through Heaven's gates. While many will march down the steps of Hell! God is also anxious for eternity to begin! And yet constrains Himself insuring a greater yield of souls. TR 
