Why won't the tribulation just suddenly break out from a time of calm?
The tribulation will not erupt abruptly from total calm because the stage is being set beforehand. Conditions will begin roaring and stirring like the sea, so when the final seven years arrive, they simply intensify an already active process. Jesus compared it to Noah's day—ordinary but intense activity continuing until the flood came.
Les teaches that Matthew 24 describes tribulation events, but they will not suddenly come out of a sea of calm and break loose. Instead, everything will start roaring and the so-called water will be stirred, so that when the tribulation comes it will simply be increased. He sees the beginnings of this and the stage being set for the final seven years. Luke 21:26 speaks of the sea and waves roaring and men's hearts failing for fear. Jesus also said that as the days of Noah were, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be: people were eating, drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage. Les points out there was nothing wrong with those activities, but it was that intense activity. He sees frantic building activity everywhere as part of this setting of the stage, indicating we are getting close to the end.