James 5:8

James 5:8

"You also be patient.  Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."

We should be patient.  That is something that seems to be a repeated message from God to those who He is talking to.  I remember once when I was a little girl, my mother had bought Maple Nut Goodies.  It is a delicious treat that my grandpa is very fond of.  She opened the bag at my grandparents house and offered me one politely.  I accepted and enjoyed while watching her offer one to my brother.  He accepted and she offered one to my uncle before moving onto my grandpa.  It felt so formal and slow, that I didn't wait.  I made a mad dash for the candy, spilling some on the table.  Needless to say no one was happy with me.  It was later explained to me that if I had just waited, that I would have been offered more once everyone else had had a chance to enjoy the candy too. 

In the same way, I can see God working to carefully set up our lives so that we learn the most we can that He wants to teach us.  Unfortunately, like that young child (me), we make a decision (sometimes quickly and sometimes not) that is before God's time and possibly in a way that He knows isn't best.  Still, He is a God of choice and let's us experience the results of our choices.  Sometimes, those around us also experience the effects of our actions as well. 

That is just the first four words.  Next is just as important.

Establish your hearts!  Choose if you are going to follow God or not.  If you are, start today.  It is something that you shouldn't wait to do.  When God comes, He already knows who is on His side and who didn't accept His Love.  That point is too late.  Before then is when you must choose and have your decision made.  Faith alone won't work either.  God is defending you, someone who has messed up many times in life, before the rest of the universe.  You must do your best to live life the way you know He wants you to.  And when you mess up, run back to Him as soon as you realize it.  Always run back to Him.  These are the ways that He can show others, "See, my child wants me to take care of him/her.  My child wants my Love and the Life I can provide."