Let’s be thankful for every expression of God’s grace in our past (and there have been many), and let’s determine that we’ll hold on to our hope in Christ, no matter what happens. Gratitude and hope. These two ways of thinking will keep us faithful.
On earthly journeys, we like to have a map or an itinerary. But on our spiritual journey, no such map is given to us. We only know that God is waiting for us at the end. He has not told us everything we will see or do along the way.
In Christ, there is work to do that is the most important work in the world — and when we can do it together with others who are in fellowship with Christ, that makes it even more special. Let’s give thanks for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
If we love our Lord, how can we not be filled with joy at the thought of His return? After Paul had spoken to the Thessalonians about the return of Christ, he said, “Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
God being the Ruler of the world, we can be sure that His purposes will come to pass. We need have no doubt about that. And until God brings the history of this world to a conclusion and His victory celebration begins, we just need to keep working.
Being able to endure is not only a virtuous thing to do; it is an extremely high-leverage trait. In other words, patience is a trait that energizes us and imparts a strength that empowers all the other characteristics we are to add to our faith.
God lets us to experience seasons of trial and testing, but we must make the choice to yield to the disciplining effect of difficulty. “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:4).
It’s a privilege to have the relationship that we do in Christ. So when we are tired, let’s look forward to being together. It may take extra effort to get there, but when we make the effort, we find that there is no better refreshment in the world.
We may not easily relate to the task of the men who were sent to spy out Canaan, but we have some daunting responsibilities of our own. May we learn to trust the Lord as Joshua and Caleb did, both when it is “safe” to do so and when it is not.
God is to be taken seriously, but it must also be a part of our concept of God that He will help us do whatever is pleasing to Him. He loves us more than we know, and we will never be in any situation where His help is not available to us.
