We are going through the book of James in our Breakout Session Bible study and last night we hit James 5:8 This scripture says:
8 So you also must be patient. Establish your hearts [strengthen and confirm them in the final certainty], for the coming of the Lord is very near. (AMP)
This verse exhorts the believers to be patient during trial and focus our hearts on the fact that Jesus is coming back soon. This truth was meant to both encourage and re-focus the tried believers. I confessed to the group that this is not something that I normally dwell upon when facing adversity but I am purposefully changing the way I think according to the scriptures.
Here are some thoughts on why we should think this way (other then just because God said so!) Focusing on the Return of Christ:
- Puts life in perspective - ITS SHORT!
- Reminds us that Christ sovereign and He is in control
- Helps encourage us to remain faithful because God will work all things out
- Drives us towards Holiness because we want to be found faithful with the tasks at hand
- Helps us to focus on the majors of life and not the minors
I could list many others but needless to say, we need to be reminding one another through our emails, discussion, and actions that Jesus is coming soon. I believe this renewed focus will help us to chill out when life gets rough!
Do you dwell upon the Return of Christ during suffering? How has it impacted you?
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1 comments:
I must admit that I do not dwell on the return of Christ when I am going through trials. I would like to change this because I believe it would help me to realize that my trial is not so bad and does not have to overtake my life.
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