The word “waiting” has been in my thoughts for two weeks. Yes, I know the day it came bounding into my head – 2/7/18. I have it written down in my journal.

In the middle of a Bible Study on the Book of James, the word is there –

“Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rain in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.” (James 5:7-8, NLT)

This past week, various news reports brought me to return to the passage, yet again. I had expressed several times: “Come, Lord Jesus. Come.”

The answer to all the events happening seemed so simple – if the Lord would just come, all would be right. Well. Better.

And it is true.

And I read the passage again, and yet again.

Waiting patiently requires my taking courage. It will not come easily. At times, I may think the Lord does not understand how difficult it is to wait. But He understands perfectly, maybe all too perfectly.

The Lord Jesus is waiting too.

He is waiting for the command from His Father so He can return to this earth. He has been waiting far longer than I have ever, or will ever, wait. He is waiting, as His heart is breaking, for He does not want for any to be lost. His desire is for all to be saved.

I open the book, given as a gift for Christmas. It directs me to read 2 Kings 4 – the story of Elisha and the widow. She has no resources left and creditors are coming for her house. She comes to Elisha for help and he asks her:

“What can I do to help you?”,  Elisha asked. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” (verse 2, NLT)

Elisha directs her to go home and use the last of the little bit of the oil she had.

To pour it all out.

There in the margin these words are shared:

Sometimes we wait impatiently on God when He is patiently waiting on us.
(from Awaken by Priscilla Shirer, page 8)

In one swift moment, He ties up my waiting.

The Lord truly understands our impatience as we wait. When He comes, He truly will set all things rightly and justly. All our questions will be answered. Life will make sense as we will see it from His eternal perspective.

Until then, we are to pour out all that we have. Keep on loving, even when it hurts. Share generously. Extend a helping hand. Be kind. Friendly. Joyful.

We take courage as we wait.
For the Lord is at hand.
He is near us.

Today I am joining … #ChasingCommunity and Tune In Thursday and Moments of Hope .