Calmly Tolerating Delay

James 5:7-8 (NLT)  Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.

            There are many definitions for the word patient. To be honest, I think that it is easier for me to be patient (i.e., endure without complaining) or to be patient (i.e., refusing to be provoked) than it is for me to be patient (i.e., calmly tolerate delay). Waiting for something is not in my strength toolbox. When it comes to waiting for the Second Coming of Christ, I used to pray “Lord, come quickly” reciting Revelation 22:20 (KJV) Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Then I discovered something that changed my perspective.

2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)  The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

            Each day we calmly tolerate delay is another day for someone to hear the Gospel and accept Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. That makes the waiting totally worth it all. Now, when it comes to my thoughts about the Second Advent of Christ, I spend time in prayer for all those family and friends who may need time to renew their commitment to the Lord because his coming is surely near; his return is imminent. The best thing you can do as you calmly tolerate delay is to pray for others.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Thank you for each precious day you provide for others to hear the Good News and accept Christ as their Savior. Forgive our desire for haste. Thank you for the opportunity to pray.

                                                                        In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from The Holy Bible, King James Version (cum privilegio), undated, Cambridge University Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved.