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Are the times we are in today the late stages of the world? Many think so. I hear it every day from several people.  Or are we living the first day of eternity?

In the book of Habakkuk God has promised that the people of Judah will go into captivity by the Babylonians. The prophet is questioning why God’s promise is taking so long to be fulfilled.

This is God’s answer in a few different translations.  

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry”. Habakkuk 2:3 KJV

“And then God answered: “Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming. It aches for the coming, it can hardly wait! And it doesn’t lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It’s on its way. It will come right on time”. Habakkuk 2:3 The Message

“It is not yet time for the message to come true. But that time is coming soon. The message will come true. It may seem like a long time before it happens. But be patient and wait for it. These things will happen. They will not be delayed”. Habakkuk 2:3 ICB

“At the time I have decided, my words will come true. You can trust what I say about the future. It may take a long time but keep on waiting— it will happen! Habakkuk 2:3 CEV

What job do I have during these times and circumstances?  The most important job is to have patience.  To reflect patience with everyone I meet.

Two Greek words that are used in the bible for Patience.

Hupomoné (Greek): Steadfast endurance and remaining under heavy life pressures or trials with hope.

Makrothumia (Greek): Long-tempered forbearance and tolerance toward people who cause injury or annoyance.

Both are character traits that God has asked you and me to exhibit every minute of every day.  Exhibit in our words, in our body language, in our touch and demeanor.  It should be seen in our eyes and heard in our words for everyone to see or hear.

These traits do not require any knowledge of when God’s promises will happen.  They require total Faith in God.

Where do I get these traits of Patience?  Patience is a Fruit of the Spirit. A character trait grown inside believers by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). You do not work at getting this fruit. Your only job to obtain the fruit of the Spirit is to surrender all to God and He will fill you with the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Patience is grown by surrendering to the Spirit.

When Eve gave birth to Cain, we read “Adam made love to his wife Eve. She became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “I have gotten the man that the Lord promised.” Genesis 4:1 GW

Eve believed that her first born was the savior and that he would save them and return them to the Garden of Eden. Ever since Eve there are people that have told the world that we are living in the last days of time.  Each believed deep in their hearts that it was true.

God does not have a watch set with a timer to remind him it is time to go and deliver His people from this world. Even His Son, Jesus, does not know when this time is.  God has no concern for your time schedule or your definition of what time in history we are in.

In the Bible, patience is an active spiritual virtue rather than passive waiting. We are to be aware of the signs Jesus pointed out. We are to be ready each day to see the little cloud in the east and to hear the trumpet and sounds of the angels singing. We are to dig deep into His words and pray without ceasing.

We are called to be a holy priesthood of people that exhibit the fruit of the Spirit. You are to reflect God’s own patience and mercy toward all humanity. We are to set aside worldly traits and habits and to show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Such is the fruit of the Spirit.

What a pleasure it is to live each day with the opportunity to share God’s grace and Love to others. I am very content for each day that God allows me to reflect Him. Yes, I look forward to Jesus Coming again. Yet, if it takes beyond my lifespan, I will be positive, smiling and reflecting God each day with Joy in my heart.

Start living the first day of eternity and not the last day here on earth.

Remember it is not a religion it is a relationship.

Prayers and Love for all.

Larry