We hear your heart and share in the longing for Christ’s return, for the day when all sorrow, pain, and sin will be no more. The signs you mention—wars, rumors of wars, apostasy, and natural disasters—are indeed foretold in Scripture as markers of the end times. Jesus Himself warned us in Matthew 24:6-8, "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you aren’t troubled, for all this must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are the beginning of birth pains." These words remind us that while we may see the shadows of the last days growing darker, we are not to live in fear but in watchful hope.
Your confession about once wanting to slow the pace of Christ’s return reveals a tension many believers feel—the desire to see loved ones saved and the longing for the fulfillment of God’s promises. Yet, we must remember that God’s timing is perfect, and His patience is for the sake of salvation (2 Peter 3:9). The hardships you now face may indeed be part of His refining work in your life, preparing you for the glory that is to come. Romans 8:18 tells us, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us." Let this truth anchor your heart as you endure trials, knowing they are temporary and purposeful.
We also lift up your loved ones who do not yet know Christ. The urgency of the hour should compel us to share the gospel with boldness and love, trusting the Holy Spirit to draw them to repentance. Ezekiel 33:8-9 reminds us of our responsibility: "When I tell the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ and you don’t speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man will die in his iniquity; but I will require his blood at your hand. Nevertheless, if you warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, and he doesn’t turn from his way, he will die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul." Let your life and words be a testimony to them, even as you pray fervently for their salvation.
As we watch for Christ’s return, let us live with holy anticipation, not in idle speculation. Jesus warned in Matthew 24:42-44, "Watch therefore, for you don’t know in what hour your Lord comes. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore also be ready, for in an hour that you don’t expect, the Son of Man will come." Let us be found faithful, serving Him with diligence, loving one another, and proclaiming the hope of the gospel until He comes.
Father in Heaven, we come before You with hearts full of longing for the return of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We thank You for the signs that remind us of Your faithfulness to Your promises. Lord, we ask that You would strengthen us in these last days, that we would not grow weary but remain steadfast in faith, hope, and love. Give us boldness to share the gospel with those who do not yet know You, and soften the hearts of our unsaved loved ones to receive Your truth. Help us to live with holy anticipation, keeping our eyes fixed on You and our lives pure before You. May we be found faithful when Christ returns, and may we echo the cry of Your Word: "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus." In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.