The Path of Perseveranceናሙና

You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6

If you have been connected to our house in any way, you have more than likely heard this word: Maranatha. In short, it can be explained as such: Jesus came, He is coming, and He will come again. His coming again is that promised day when we will fully be with Him face to face.

As we approach the end of this letter, we see Paul’s final heart cry to the Thessalonians. This anchor is for their present trial, but knowing Paul, he is very well aware that this will most likely not be their last. This anchor is also called to be our very own. Paul encourages, as he has throughout this letter, by summing it all up: This day is it; this day is what you are hoping and enduring for.

He rallies them together as he concludes,” Guys, you will be ready for this day because you are living in the light of the hope of your faith, which comes from enduring trials. You will be ready as you keep this day in mind. Stay Awake!”

This is easier said than done when the waves and cares of life come. It is a truth we can know in our minds, but this cry is one that must come from revelation in our hearts. It comes from the Lord himself when you see the reward of your faith being Him on the day of His coming! We are in a moment just like the disciples; they fell asleep before his ascension, and we must not fall asleep before He descends. The temptation is to be aware of the day that is coming, yet you are not awake, nor is your heart fully alive to it.

That day is our hope. It is the day trials and tears will be no more. In the days of the present pressing, we can look beyond, and though the darkness is around us, we have a marvelous light within. This truth is that we are saved, and we will be fully saved forever when He comes.

This is not a matter of if; it is a matter of when. Hope in the midst of hardship has a beautiful way of keeping us sober. It really is as simple as keeping your eyes on Jesus.

1. Ask yourself today: Is the fullness of my hope in His coming?
2. Ask the Lord: Lord, Help me keep the end goal of my faith alive in my heart.

Maranatha!