Eagerly Awaiting

Of all the circumstances which vex the soul, delay may be the most difficult to endure. From our earliest days as children we heard our parents say, “Wait a minute!” or “Hold your potatoes!” (What does “holding your potatoes” have to do with anything?). Waiting begins at childhood and continues throughout life. Sometimes waiting can be the most difficult part of our earthly struggle. This is why we need to remember that there is strength to be found and help to be sought in any situation (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Our Christian hope involves waiting. However, some grow tired of waiting and give preference to the enticing pleasures of the world, falling away from the faith and piercing themselves with sorrow and disappointment. The Hebrew writer says, “And inasmuch as it is appointed for men once to die and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, shall appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin to those who eagerly await Him” (Hebrews 9:27-28). Christians must wait for Christ’s coming. This involves a great deal of patience and endurance. Peter mentions some who grew impatient and mocked God by saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?” (2 Peter 3:4). But, we must be faithful, knowing that God is always true to His promises. If we are faithful, we will receive the crown of life (Revelations 2:10).

What shall we do while we are waiting? Shall we lie with our hands folded in peaceful slumber? Shall we dream away the hours in quiet solitude? Shall we pace the floor like an anxious father expecting the arrival of his firstborn child? For many, this is the picture envisioned as they wait for the return of the Lord. However, nothing could be farther from the truth! If this were the case, Christianity would be a lifeless drudgery. But, the Christian’s anticipation of the second coming involves also a joyful and active participation. Our anticipation is much like that of a young lady awaiting her wedding day—she joyfully and actively prepares for the day.

The church is the bride of Christ and awaits His coming with earnest preparation. We must be found faithfully preparing at His return or we will be left outside standing in the darkness (Matthew 25:1-13). Are you eagerly awaiting Christ’s return? Or, better yet, are you earnestly making the needed preparations in your life?

~Glen Eliot