How will God protect the remnant during the terrible last 3 1/2 years?
According to the Matthew 24 context, the escaping remnant of Israel will flee to the mountains southeast of Jerusalem. There God will supernaturally protect them for the final 3 1/2 years, insulating them from all the horrible events, just as He preserved Israel in the Sinai desert for 40 years.
Les explains that this is the escaping remnant of Israel, not the whole nation but a percentage. They flee to the mountains southeast of Jerusalem when they see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel. For the final 3 1/2 years, God will protect them supernaturally, even as Israel was in the desert of Sinai for 40 years. He will insulate them from all the horrible events of this final 3 1/2 years. Though they go out in unbelief concerning Christ as Messiah and King, God in His mercy and covenant promises keeps this remnant insulated until Christ returns. Then they will see Him coming in the clouds of glory.