Matthew 24

"And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars.  See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet...And there will be famines, pestilences and earthquakes in various places." vv.6-7

Read chapter 24.
Today there are wars, rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes yet this is nothing new that's starting.  This has been as far back as our history recording goes.  So is it safe to say that in order for this passage to be true that there must be a time of great peace where none of this is happening?  The question that spared this description of times of the tribulation was the disciples asking when His coming would be (v.3).  Now with Jesus already there why would they need to ask when He's coming?  The Greek word Parousia is a lot stronger word then coming, but more of a personal presence.  A time when Christ would come for good and display all the characteristics of His person.  This time isn't new but is yet to come after a great time of peace - the kingdom- what Christ taught us to pray for.  Does tribulation stuff scare you?  Would you rather be ignorant of the future times or feel prepared by what God has told us as a "heads up"?  How might this passage not go along with what other passages in scriptures say and how might it make other parts make more sense?
Don't be afraid or skip over this chapter because it seems to hard to understand.  Ask God for knowledge and understanding and try something new!