Do you truly want to understand what God's Word means? Some parts of the text are so simple to understand that even a caveman can grasp it. Other parts of the Word are so difficult that it's like trying to split an atom with an ice-pick.
Some of the most difficult passages in the whole bible deal with prophecy. Who doesn't want to understand what God has to say about our future? And if you believe that God is good then you will believe that He wants us to understand His Word as regards prophecy.
Let's begin with some main ideas and work our way out...
We all are battling our way out of varying degrees of deception
You have to grasp this - you will need the humility and flexibility to repent and be willing to change you mind about what something means. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to back out of something I once believed to be true - no one likes to be wrong. It's painful to realize that you have been espousing pure idiocy - but if you value the truth then you will do whatever it takes to get your understanding in alignment with the meaning of God's Word.
Be a Realist