I find myself wishing to ask you for the next-to-impossible: integrate your expectations with the soon-coming fulfillments of Bible prophecy. But that’s asking too much of anyone. (Have I goaded you sufficiently?)
Sorry, no can do. Bible prophecy is beyond me and I won’t attempt it. I have what I call a “functional understanding” of Scripture. Don’t get me wrong, I do not question that the Bible is the Word of God. But when I read Scripture, I primarily see God’s hand in how He created us as His people. Through the Bible He shows us what we are in comparison to how He would have us be, if that makes any sense to you.
Allow me to provide an example as it pertains to what I do. Read Luke’s account of the Crucifixion; Luke 23:39-43, the two thieves next to Jesus. One was unrepentant, wanting to know a god he could use. The other took full responsibility for what he had done, repented, and accepted not only Jesus as Lord and Savior, but also knew that it was only for his spiritual salvation. He accepted death as his earthly punishment for what he had done.
In my line of work, I see the first thief well over 90% of the time, and rarely see the second. And so it is with man as a sinner. We want God to work for us, rather than the other way around. That passage from Luke shows it so clearly. It is one of many such instances in the Bible.
Because of that perspective, I believe God’s Plan for us is not so much what we will do, or what will happen to us. Instead, His plan for us is more focused on who we will be as followers of Christ. Whether we prosper or suffer, I will accept it knowing Jesus is still my Savior, and that He only wishes good for me, and my real reward awaits me in Heaven. That’s one of the reasons I like the Book of James so much; James 4:13-17 tells me not to boast about tomorrow and helps bring me down to earth. Matthew 6:25-34 tells me not to worry about it, either.
I’m 55 years old. In that time God has given me challenges but more than that He has given me countless blessings. Far more than I deserve for what I’ve done in my life; I was not always a Christian. I don’t run from my past sins and shortcomings. They are all part of who God made me to be. I am His servant; His will be done.
As a response to your question, spiritually that’s the best I can do.