"You also be patient. Establish your hearts. for the coming of the Lord is at hand."James 5:8
A high level of expectation for the Lord Jesus' imminent return existed in the early church.. He had said "I will come again." They expected Him momentarily. Still He had not returned. The delay generated impatience.
The Apostle reminded them how farmers plant the seed and wait. They do their part, but growth and fruitfulness depends upon future rainy seasons. Likewise, believers have no control of the time it would take to see the full results of their labors.
Nothing should ruin the poise and peace in our hearts as we wait for the Lord's return. Yet, we worry about how our children and their children will cope with future challenges. We wonder if and how they will be persecuted? If challenged, will they remain faithful to the Lord? Do they cherish their Christian testimony and values?
Layers of opposition, political, relational, educational, regional and national, pile up more everyday against those who declare Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Open hostility flares quickly at those who dare to apply the truth declared in the Scriptures as a standard for today's culture. Christians are listed as extremists by their critics.
How we react to opposition reveals what is in our hearts. We can be chafed and irritated by the evil around us and plead for the Lord's return, or we can be poised and patient as we stand strong in what we believe until He comes.
Practice Patience: Plant seeds of patience, trust and love in your life. Nuture them. In times of trial the harvest of patience and love will bear fruit.
PRAYER: Give me a patient heart, Lord, not anxious nor fearful. Help me to bring hope to others as I live in daily expectation of Your return. By Your grace, Amen.