God spoke to believers who are enduring trials through James in early Christian writings. He knew we would have to have the right attitude if we were going to be able to persevere to the end. We would also have to keep focus and have great patience.
The coming of Christ is mentioned some three hundred times from Matthew to Revelation in God's word. God is trying to tell us that life is to be lived with focus on the second coming of Christ.
God told us in James 5:7-8 (NIV), "Be patient, then brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near."
Our walk with Jesus is a marathon and not a sprint. The finish line for Christians is the second coming and that is the goal that we should be looking to. The second coming is the end. The end is not graduating from college, landing the big job, owning the big car and huge house, or retiring while you can still enjoy life. The end is the second coming of Christ!
Walking and talking with his disciples on the ridge called Mount of Olives, God in the flesh told of the end of age, "but he who stands firm to the end will be saved." Matthew 24:13
Keep a clear vision on the coming King of Glory. Be patient, keep hope and you will persevere. There is a light that is coming for the heart that holds on. Live for the Lord. He died for you!
Rick Hawbaker
'Not my will, but thine be done'
