Is it the end? What do "Mormons" believe about the end of the word?

My book, Not of This World, is about the end of the world. In the past I thought that before Christ's Second Coming there would be instant global destruction and all the wicked would be killed and all the righteous would live to see Christ. Or that the righteous would be changed in the twinkling of an eye and not have to suffer before Christ's coming. Then as I was writing Not of This World, I thought, "What if the end of the world destruction isn't instantaneous? What if it's gradual, then there's a major destruction or war, and then people are allowed the chance to repent and prepare for the second coming of Christ?"

As I've studied a little more and pondered and recently read a book about one man's visions about the end of the world, I've come to think that it won't be instantaneous and that my previous beliefs were incorrect. But the truth is that I don't understand what will happen before Christ comes. None of us knows exactly how or when it will happen and what will be the circumstances of those living on the earth of the time. We do know that there will be wars and rumors of wars, the children of the house of Israel will be gathered, the elect or very righteous will be deceived, and there will be false prophets (see Matthew 24).

What can we do about the end of the world? We can't avoid it. We can't wish it won't happen. When I fear something or am unable to control or understand, I write a book. That's what I've done with Not of This World. I can manipulate the events and characters the way I want. But I can't manipulate and control the real end of the world. I don't want to fear the end. "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear" (Doctrine & Covenants 38:30). I can prepare by following the counsel of the prophet. I can prepare physically by gathering food storage and supplies and getting out of debt. I can prepare spiritually by studying my scriptures, praying, having family prayer, scripture study, Family Home Evening, attending church, and serving others. I can prepare by giving up my will to follow Christ and have Him direct me through the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

I do believe that Christ is merciful and will give us every chance to repent and turn to Him. And that no matter how or when the end happens, we can do all things through Christ.