by Steve Nickodemus

It will come…

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“See … how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.  You, too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” James 5:7-8

It had been a long hot dry summer in Oregon.  Smoke from forest fires had hung in the valley, obscuring the sky and causing an apocalyptic feeling of a never ending haze and semi-darkness.  Would there ever be relief?

Then it happened.  The rain poured down, the temperatures dropped, the smoke cleared, the fires were quenched, and all the land sighed a great relief.  Never had Oregon rain been so welcomed!

So it is awaiting the Lord’s coming.  There seems to be such a drought of God’s love and grace.  God’s Word seems obscured, hazy, and compromised.  God’s people begin to lose hope, living in what seems to be a never ending confusion of immorality, anger, and fear.

The Lord says to you and me, “Be patient and stand firm!  The Lord’s coming is near.”  Relief is on the way.  The Lord’s promises are true and He will rain down righteousness upon the Earth.  The Lord Jesus will appear, the haze will be gone, the fire of suffering will cease, and we will rejoice.

As you wait, be patient.  Trust in the Lord.  Do not give up hope.

“For men are not cast off by the Lord forever.  Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.” Lamentations 3:31-32.

Whatever dry place of suffering you may be in, the Lord’s promises are sure, and He will send relief.  Wait patiently on the Lord.

Lord, thank you for your promises and the sweet refreshing rain of your Word and your Coming.  Grant me patience to await the fulfillment of your promises in my life. Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado