“You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.” (James 5:8 NLT).
As the farmer patiently waits for the rain and the harvest, so James called believers to be patient and courageous until the Lord’s return. For the Lord’s coming is near.
How near? No one knows, except the Father. As Jesus taught, “Now concerning that day and hour no one knows—neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son—except the Father only” (Matt. 24:36).
Whether the Lord comes for us at death, or at His second coming, we are to wait patiently and strengthen our hearts. For His coming is near. We are to live with that certain hope in our hearts and minds.
PRAYER: Dear Father, give us wisdom to organize our lives around the certainty of Your Son’s soon return. We want to always be ready. For His coming is near. Strengthen us to wait patiently and courageously. In Jesus’ name, amen.