Three Inspirational Thoughts Ahead of the Second Coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
by Pastor Joel Osteen
As believers, we are all eagerly awaiting the glorious return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Bible promises that He will come again to take His people to be with Him forever, and this thought should inspire us to live with anticipation, hope, and purpose. In these challenging times, when the world seems to be filled with uncertainty, it’s important to remember that we have a God who is faithful, who is sovereign, and who is coming back to make all things right.
As we wait for the Second Coming, I want to share three inspirational thoughts that can help us stay focused on God’s promises and live victoriously in this world.
### 1. **Live With Hope, Not Fear**
One of the most common emotions people experience when thinking about the end times is fear. The Bible tells us that in the last days, there will be signs of distress, uncertainty, and turmoil (Matthew 24:6-7). It’s easy to look at the news, see the unrest in our world, and feel overwhelmed. But as believers, we are not to live in fear. In fact, the very anticipation of Christ’s return should bring us a deep sense of hope and peace.
In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, the Apostle Paul reminds us that when Christ returns, He will bring comfort to His people. “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.”
No matter what challenges or hardships we face, we can hold fast to the promise that God has a plan for our lives, and His return will be the ultimate victory over all the struggles of this world. When we face trials, we should remember that our hope is not in the circumstances but in the Savior who is coming to set things right. His return is not something to fear, but something to look forward to with great joy.
### 2. **Live Ready, Be Prepared**
Jesus often spoke about the need to be ready for His return. In Matthew 24:42-44, He tells His followers, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.”
Living with this readiness doesn’t mean that we live in anxiety or obsession about the exact time Christ will return. It means that we live with a sense of purpose and intentionality every day. We are called to live holy and righteous lives, to serve others, and to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. Every day is an opportunity to align our hearts with God’s will, to forgive, to love, and to live in a way that reflects the grace and mercy we’ve received.
Being prepared also means being ready to face the challenges that come with living in the world today. The Lord’s return will bring ultimate justice, but until then, we are called to be faithful stewards of His love and truth. It’s easy to become distracted by the busyness of life, but the Second Coming reminds us that we are living with an eternal purpose. The way we live today matters for eternity.
### 3. **Live With an Eternal Perspective**
The Second Coming of Christ gives us a unique opportunity to shift our focus from the temporary to the eternal. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressures of daily life—the bills, the deadlines, the struggles we face. But when we remember that Jesus is coming back to make all things new, it helps us keep our priorities in perspective.
Revelation 21:1-4 paints a beautiful picture of the new heaven and new earth that will come when Jesus returns: “Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’”
When we keep this vision of eternity in mind, it changes the way we live. We no longer live for the fleeting pleasures of this world but for the lasting joy that comes from being in the presence of our Creator. We can face difficulties knowing that they are temporary, and our ultimate reward will be eternal. This eternal perspective helps us live with gratitude, purpose, and peace, knowing that our hope is anchored in something far greater than what we see in this world.
### Conclusion
As we await the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us live with hope, readiness, and an eternal perspective. His return is certain, and it will be a day of great joy for those who are faithful. Let these truths inspire you to live each day with purpose, knowing that your labor is not in vain, and that your Savior is coming to bring ultimate victory. Keep your eyes fixed on Him, live for His kingdom, and encourage one another as we eagerly await His return.
