"You too be patient; strengthen your hearts,
for the coming of the Lord is near."
James 5:8
James wants to encourage Christians to stand firm in trials. He reminds us that the Lord's return is near, and he tells Christians to "be patient" and "strengthen your hearts". The focus here in on the Lord's second coming. It is imminent. It will happen. The coming of Christ is mentioned some three hundred times in the New Testament. There is a mention of the coming of Christ one time for every thirteen verses from Matthew to Revelation. It is the one single event that every Christian should long for and watch for. The Christian life requires patience and endurance as we wait for the Lord's return. Trials are never ending. One may end, but another will eventually take its place. There will always be something for us to endure. That's true for everyone - believers and unbelievers alike. The difference is that we believers have access to the Holy Spirit, and He is able to empower us to endure tribulation. Our responsibility is to purpose to live with patience and strength, and then to ask the Holy Spirit to help us do so. His responsibility is to give us what we need. He is faithful. He will do it.
This is a beautiful post Nancy, and praise God that he has given us His spirit for comfort and to walk alongside of us in all that we do and in all of our joys as well as tribulations!
ReplyDeleteJeanne, with each year I age the truth of His indwelling Spirit gives me more peace, and more joy. I can't imagine life without the Lord. Thanks for your comment.
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