Waiting with endurance and courage for His return.

Written by Desiree Bustamante.

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

It’s near the end of the growing season, yet these pumpkins still haven’t been harvested. They’ve been in the field for a long time exposed to sun, rain, and perhaps some frost.  Most of their protective leaves are gone. Many of these pumpkins look too small to make much profit on, some look misshapen, and a few appear to be partially eaten by animals or somehow damaged. No matter how much longer they lay in the field, they won’t grow larger or ripen. These may end up as feed for pigs or composted for next year’s gardens.

“Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.”
James 5:7-9 New Living Translation

You might feel like these pumpkins during life’s hard times. Your endurance is waning and your patience is wearing thin. You feel left in the dust to rot away, and worry you have been forgotten by your Lord. However, Jesus provides encouragement and a promise:

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?  When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”
John 14:1-3 New Living Translation

What a blessing to know that you will leave this dirt field behind, and spend eternity with God in a place He prepared especially for you! He has not forgotten you! You are too valuable to Him to be left behind. Wait excitedly for His return with patience and courage, because He assured you that when He is ready He is coming back for you.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado