SATURDAY August 8, 2026

Patiently Waiting for Christ’s Coming

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
James 5:7-8

James encouraged believers in Christ to be patient while living their lives in the light of the imminent coming of Christ. He related the waiting to that of a farmer who planted seeds and had to wait patiently for the precious harvest. As the seeds are watered, they will grow into an abundant harvest. Likewise, they were to establish their hearts by spiritual growth that produced a strengthened and firm faith in light of Christ’s coming.

The Scriptures teach that Jesus is coming again (Revelation 22:12), but the truth is, no one knows the day or hour of His coming. That is why believers are to always serve the Lord with the expectation of His sudden coming (Matthew 24:36). It is to be on our minds constantly. Knowing that Jesus is coming again should cause us to live in purity of life:

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure (1 John 3:2-3).

Why hasn’t Jesus come? Think about it. God is patient; He cares about the souls that still need to be saved. The reason for His patience is explained in 2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

We want the Lord to come, but what about having an urgency for those who are not yet saved? Do you still have friends, family and neighbors who need to hear the message of salvation? Then do not waste any more time. Pray for the opportunity to share the Gospel with them.

Time is short. Eternity is long. It is only reasonable that this short life be lived in the light of eternity.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!