“Just as man is destined to die once and after that face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.”  Hebrews 9:28

I can wait for Jesus’ second appearance with happiness because He took care of my sins.  What does waiting look like?  Imagine waiting for a friend to return after a long time away, or waiting to see your spouse after a long day apart.  Waiting requires trust, patience, anticipation, love, excitement, longing, yearning, wondering, expectation, concern, preparation, planning, forethought………..

In a marriage there are many times of waiting, especially if you have a spouse who tends to run late.  Oh!  That’s when patience must do its’ hardest work.  At what point should a spouse make a choice to accept lateness or to lovingly challenge or encourage their partner to find a solution.  How can the on time spouse be helpful to the one running late?

Psalms 34 says those who look to Him are radiant.  Ask yourself, do I look to God when my spouse disappoints me?  Do I find ways to assist rather than criticize?  Do I wait in joy knowing that love covers a multitude of sins? How does love manifest in my life when I am in the waiting place?  Upon Jesus’ appearance, there’s salvation to bring.  What do I bring to a situation?  Am I bringing the likeness of Jesus?

So today we pray:     Lord help us to look to you when we feel disappointed, show me how to find ways to support my partner and let love rule.   Bring new love as I wait and as bring Your presence to our marriage.