Over the last couple years we’ve seen many prophetic signs and prophetic events letting us know the coming of our Lord Jesus is at hand. At times, it can be very hard to continually pray, be alert and watch for the Lord as the scriptures command. We are told that Jesus could come at any moment, and it will be at a time we think not, therefore we are always to be ready and awake.
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. Matthew 24:42
For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him. Matthew 24:44
Not only are we told to keep watch and remain ready, we are also told to do it with patience. This part is difficult for many, this includes myself.
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. James 5:7-8
The Lord will keep His promise to gather us to Himself and to take us to be where He is forever. He is coming soon. Do not be discouraged and do not be afraid. The prophecies are being fulfilled just at the scriptures said they would and we can trust the Lord’s promises will come to pass. Peter addresses this in his letter to the church. Just like in our day, there were many in Peter’s day wondering why the Lord was delaying in His coming.
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2nd Peter 3:8-9
The Lord is patient, not willing that any should perish. So we too must be patient, but we must not forget our responsibility to know the signs of the times, and to keep watching for His soon return. It may be sooner then we think.