We are counseled to WAIT until the coming of the Lord and commissioned to WORK for Him while we wait. Those who have committed to this cause of waiting and working for the Lord may sometimes feel that the wait is long and the work hard. Like a sprinter that tires after running for some time, there will be some who will depart from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1); let us not be one of them. Instead, we need to be like marathon runners, becoming perfect and complete (entire), wanting nothing (James 1:2-4) as we subject our lives to endure our cross, that Jesus has commissioned us to carry.
Jesus carried THE CROSS and endured it, despising its shame (Hebrews 12:2) and so we can be assured that he understands what He has asked us to do. We can be encouraged by his “I Will” promises. To those who are working, Jesus said, I WILL give you REST (Matthew 11:28) and to those who are waiting for Him, Jesus said, I WILL come again and RECEIVE you unto myself (John 14:3).
But in order for Jesus to receive us when he returns and for him to give us rest, we must first go to him and receive Him by believing in our hearts that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, sent of God the Father from heaven. Have you received Christ?
Matthew 11:28 (KJV)
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
John 14:3 (KJV)
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
James 1:2-4 (KJV)
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
