I have learned that sometimes it’s through the pain of living that we learn to appreciate the goodness of life. Sometimes it’s through sadness in life that we learn to appreciate the joy of life. Sometimes it’s the losses we experience that teach us to appreciate what life really means. And sometimes it’s when we face what we cannot do on our own that we learn to appreciate what the Lord can do for us.
In the book of Revelation, John writes to us while he is exiled on a deserted island called Patmos. John introduces himself in Revelation 1:9 by saying, “I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
Listen closely to what John is saying. He was there on Patmos waiting for the Word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. Yes, the Romans exiled John thinking they were punishing him. But God used this circumstance to reveal to John His Word and the revelation of Christ’s return. Knowing this, John probably invited the Lord often to come.
John’s life was an invitation for the Lord to Come. So, what about you and me? Do you want His help, or do you want His return? Do you want His healing, or do you want His presence? Do you want His strength, or do you want His victory? Do we live lives that invite the Lord to come? Or do we live lives that simply ask Him to help.
John wasn’t asking for help. John was asking for the Life that helps. John didn’t love his life more than he loved the life Jesus promises to all who believe on Him. John wanted what was to come so he asked the Lord to come and come quickly. He said, “Come Lord Jesus, come.”
Revelation 22:20 says it this way: “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” I’m sure John was having a hard time on Patmos. He didn’t have the amenities of life others enjoyed. Things were tough there. But John didn’t ask to be taken back to his old home. He asked the Lord to come with the promise of a new life and a new home.
You can know if you are following John’s example by asking yourself these questions:
Do you try to live each day of life to its fullest, or do you live waiting for Him to fill your life each day with His thoughts and His revelation?
Do you live trying to get through the challenges you face daily, or do you live waiting for Him to show up in your challenges?
Do you live a life that goes ahead of Him, or do you live a life that waits for Him to get ahead of you?
Do you live looking for what is right to happen for you, or do you live knowing that His grace will be sufficient for all that you face?
Do you live like you are right at home in your favorite place, or do you live like you are on an island waiting for Him to speak to you and to show you what is to come?
Are you asking Him to help, or are you asking Him to come?
If you are not waiting for His coming, what then are you waiting for? When the Lord knows that you are waiting, He will hear your invitation for Him to come.
Let your life become an invitation for Him to come live with you right where you are. No matter what you are facing today, live a life of invitation, and He will surely accept your call. He will make a way for you to live in power and in grace in whatever your circumstance when your life says to Him, “Come Lord Jesus Come. Amen.”
Live a Delivered Life. Love you.
Live Delivered 