Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24
my heart aches for all the pain and suffering in the world today. when i've been praying this week, the only words i can come up with are "Jesus, come back," and "Lord, have mercy."
i can only imagine the hundreds and thousands of people that are searching desperately for answers this week. in their grieving, asking "why, God?!" or worse, "where is God?!" and that hurts my heart as much as the tragedies themselves.
God is there. God is here. He hears your cries and He longs to comfort you.
my plea for Jesus' return is a selfish quick-fix to all the world's mess. i don't want my children to grow up in this dark place where people set off bombs in trash cans, kill one another with guns, and die in horrific accidents. i'm looking forward with hope to a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells.
my plea for Jesus' return catches in my throat because i know better. i know He's coming in perfect timing and i know what Jesus is waiting for before He makes His glorious return. He's waiting for me. He's waiting for you. He's waiting for the lost to be saved.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
maybe it's a friend, a co-worker, a spouse, a sister, a neighbor, or maybe it's you He's waiting for. the Lord is waiting patiently for many people to accept the gift of salvation. He doesn't want anyone to perish before His return. He wants everyone to be a part of the new Kingdom - yes, even that person that is so far gone and lost. Jesus told the disciples and this is what He asks of us:
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved..."
we can close the gap. we can tell them about Jesus and pray fervently for their repentance and salvation. we are called to play a very important role in His return! that is the hope i cling to in this hurting world.
yes, there is darkness, it's awful. but with God i can have hope for a day with no crying, sighing, or dying. so, i pray and i pray. and my heartache is echoed by this hope, and i'm motivated to do my part for God. my hope is in Him.
