Greetings Patiently Waiting Saints and Friends,
​“Betty, how is it you always seem at peace and calm when so many others we know are frantically living each day?” “Wilma, there is something I learned a long time ago. You cannot hurry tomorrow. As a matter of fact, you cannot hurry the next few minutes. But I welcome each moment as it arrives and passes. With each beautiful sunrise and every gorgeous sunset, what I am patiently waiting for is drawing closer. Even when the dark clouds hang around above and the air is chilly here below, I know everything is proceeding on time according to the Father’s will. Just like His Word says, ‘When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son.’ Galatians 4:4 And I know, whatever the pace-setters of this world may say, all is well in heaven and the Lord has given me His peace.” John 14:27 “Tell me, Betty, what is it you are so patiently waiting for?”
“One of two events is going to occur in my life, Wilma. Either the number of my days that God has given me to live here are going to be completed and His angels will come and take me home. Or the Lord Jesus is going to return in my lifetime, and I will go home to heaven, along with everyone else who has trusted in Him.” “You can know that God has determined how long you will live?” “Yes. In the same beautiful Psalm that tells us how God creates each one of us in our mother’s womb, we also read, ‘In Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.’ Psalm 139:16 I do not live carelessly, but I know nothing can shorten the days He has determined for me to live here. If the angels come for me, I will triumphantly go through the gates of heaven knowing I am neither early nor late.” “And what do you expect to happen if, as you say, Jesus returns while you are still living?” “First of all, I can confidently say what Jesus has promised to all Christians: ‘I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.’ John 14:2-3 The description the Bible gives of Jesus’ return is an event that only God can orchestrate.
It will include the Lord Jesus, an archangel, and the trumpet of God. The Apostle Paul describes it like this: ‘For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.’
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 When Jesus returns at any moment, only those who have trusted Him as Savior will hear His voice as He shouts, perhaps, ‘Come up here!’
No matter where any believer is at that moment, awake or asleep, they will be caught up to meet Jesus in the air. At that same instantaneous moment, the Apostle Paul says, our earthly bodies shall be changed into our forever heaven-ready bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:52 It may be that Michael is the archangel who will accompany Jesus. His voice will summon other angels, who will joyously accompany all of God’s children home at that time. The trumpet of God will sound, announcing the great victory we have in our Savior. King Jesus will lead the victory parade home to heaven, much like a victorious king would return home to his kingdom after a successful campaign! That is what I am patiently waiting for, Wilma.” “Wow, Betty. I never heard that before. When I was much younger, my family went to church. I went to Sunday School classes and even sang in the youth choir. But I only heard about being good, and not doing this or that. When I moved away from home, I quit going to church and never thought much about it. I guess I kind of abandoned God. I’ve never had the wonderful peace that you have in your life. Do you think God would give me a second chance?” “Wilma, God loves you. And no matter what you or anyone has done, He invites every person to come to Him, through Jesus, for forgiveness and an everlasting relationship. Tell Him now, ‘Thank You, God, for loving me. Thank You, Jesus, for paying for my sins when You died for them and rose again. Give me Your peace, as I live each day expectantly waiting for You. Amen’”