For A Little While

1Peter‬ ‭1:6-9‬ ‭- In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. 

How is your faith? Do you have faith? Who or what is that faith in? If it is not in Jesus, the hard truth is you have put your faith in something that cannot come through. Man or things cannot trusted. There is only One we can trust. 

So, we go through trials in our lives. We all do. This we cannot deny. So if we have faith in Jesus alone, He will help us get through. Faith is knowing and trusting in that truth.

Perseverance and patience are also good traits to have. Persevere until He returns or our lives end. And be patient for both! We know we will all die but we can also know He will return. I’d like to still be alive when He does. It will be difficult because there is another, not so wonderful promise...that no matter what we see in this work right now, how society has changed and things are getting out of hand, it will only get worse. Sorry! But if we can persevere...and it better start now.

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James‬ ‭1:12-13‬)

Until He returns we are asked to establish our hearts. I see that as strengthening our faith...again, not in earthly things or man, but in our Lord Jesus. We must be patient for His return. He will, you know. Will He find you looking to Him? Can you honestly say your faith is in Him? 

Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ... (1Peter‬ ‭1:13‬)  

I can’t say it enough. We have to know Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. That revelation knowledge. He must be the center of our lives, not through man’s rituals but through faith in Him. Establish your heart today.

James‬ ‭5:7-8‬ - Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.