2 Thessalonians 3:5
And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

Are you willing to leave your work undone?

Do you sometimes wish for the return of Christ? Do you want this life, on earth, to be over? Now those are tricky questions because your current relationship status, or something overwhelming you are dealing with at the moment, might drive the answers. Do you think you could say, “If Jesus comes back right now; I can go on to glory and I don’t have to worry about this or anything else anymore”? You are not the only person who thought about this. Christians have been contemplating going to heaven since Christianity began. Look at how Paul addressed and answered these questions:

Philippians 1:21-23 My true life is the Anointed One, and dying means gaining more of him. 22–23 So here’s my dilemma: Each day I live means bearing more fruit in my ministry; yet I fervently long to be liberated from this body and joined fully to Christ. That would suit me fine, (TPT)

Of course, you want to be with the Lord, you want the pain and the fight against the enemy to be over. However, you also know the work God has called you to do is important.

Philippians 1:24-25 but the greatest advantage to you would be that I remain alive. So you can see why I’m torn between the two—I don’t know which I prefer. 25 Yet deep in my heart I’m confident that I will be spared so I can add to your joy and further strengthen and mature your faith. (TPT)

How many days did you ask God to show you your purpose, tell you His call on your life, increase the anointing on your life so you can fulfill your destiny, etc.? So, be willing to be patient for Jesus’s return. Let this be your daily confession.

John 4:34 Jesus said to them, My food (nourishment) is to do the will (pleasure) of Him Who sent Me and to accomplish and completely finish His work. (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)

It’s okay to want to be in heaven. There is peace and joy there. No more fighting. No more anguish. No more temptations to battle. Though that is a celebration waiting to be had, if you have not finished the work God has assigned to you; where is the celebration in that? Paul also had words because he held to his commitment.

2 Timothy 4:7-8a I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith. 8 [As to what remains] henceforth there is laid up for me the [victor’s] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me and recompense me on that [great] day (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)

You want to touch all the people God has ordained for you to touch. You don’t want to leave your work undone. The lost, the wounded, the babes in Christ, are your assignment. Allow the Lord, by the Holy Spirit, to direct your heart to keep the faith. Love those who need to hear your testimony as you wait patiently for Christ’s return. Then you will hear the Father say, “Well Done”.

Please agree with me as I pray:

Father, there are times when I want to come on home to be with You. Not a suicidal wish, just a selfish one. Thank You for reminding me if I have not finished my task, I must continue on. I must get through whatever I am dealing with so those who You have assigned to my life can hear my testimony, and those words of Your victory will snatch them out of the grip of the enemy. What a great revelation of purpose and living. My life is not just for me. I repent for wanting to leave my work undone. What if Jesus had done the same? My humanity and the desire not to struggle were the driving force behind those feelings. Even as I am praying, You are showing me; if I’m struggling, then I’m not resting in You. Help me rest, so I look with anticipation for the fulfillment of my purpose. I thank You…