How To Have Flourishing Faith Until Jesus Returns
Are you watching the sky? Are you listening for the heavenly trumpet? Do you know how to have flourishing faith until Jesus returns?
Recently while reading 1 Corinthians, I came across these words…
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Paul was hoping to visit the believers in Corinth but while they waited, he advised them to guard their hearts, stand firm, and be courageous, strong, and loving. 2,000 years later as we continue to wait those words still apply.
So, let’s break them down and take a closer look.
5 Ways To Have Flourishing Faith
Until Jesus Returns
♥ Be on guard.
Guard your heart above all else,
Proverbs 4:23
for it determines the course of your life.
The world says “Follow Your Heart” but that only works if our hearts are aligned with God’s will. So, to be on guard we must SEEK the Lord and KNOW His will.
♥ Stand firm in faith.
Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.
Psalm 143:10
May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.
God wants a relationship with us. He gave His Law to show us His will, keep us safe, and show us our need for His grace, mercy, and love. Then He gave His Son for us showing His grace, mercy, and love.
If we want to have resilient faith while we wait, we need the Spirit’s help to resist the enemy, love God, and live for His glory.
♥ Be Courageous.
Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness
Psalm 27:13–14
while I am here in the land of the living.
Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
I’m not courageous. I like to keep things safe and comfortable but the truth is, you and I don’t grow when life is easy. It’s in the struggle that we have to lean on the Lord. He is always faithful. When we think back and remember our difficult seasons, we see that it was through God’s mercy and grace that we were given what we needed one day at a time.
It may even be a slow, long season that needs great patience, but the Lord graciously gives us that too.
♥ Be Strong.
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
Ephesians 6:9–10
Something I know for sure is that whatever strength I have comes from God. So when you and I are weak and afraid … let’s put on God’s armor and proclaim, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
♥ Do Everything With Love.
I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
John 13:34–35
LOVE sums it all up! Loving God and loving people. It often feels impossible to love like Jesus but we honor God when we make it our daily goal and heart’s desire.
The Life-Application Bible Notes reminds us that “without love [we] would be no more than prideful noise-makers.” Jesus called them Pharisees. I don’t want to be a Pharisee and I’m guessing you feel the same.
So… If we want to show God’s love until Jesus returns, we need to 1. Be on Guard 2. Stand Firm in Faith 3. Be Courageous 4. Be Strong 5. And Do Everything With Love.
With God’s help, anything is possible! Let’s pray…
A Prayer To Have Flourishing Faith
Until Jesus Returns
Father God, Thank you for giving me everything I need to KNOW, LOVE, and TRUST You through Your Son, Jesus. Thank you for Your Word, Spirit, and the wise mentors who taught me Your truth.
Since Jesus ascended into heaven and promised He would come back for us, we have been waiting while the world ridiculed and derided us for placing our hope in Him. Generation after generation has brought seasons of doubt and periods of persecution. Year after year Your children have needed Your help.
As we continue to watch and wait, I pray that You will give me flourishing faith. I want to continue to grow in my love for You and the people You place around me. Please give me the wisdom I need to be guarded and able to identify the enemy’s lies so that I might trust and obey Your will.
Please place my heart firmly on Jesus, the Rock of my Salvation giving me unshakable faith. Make me strong and courageous to share my story and speak Your TRUTH in love. And help me live each day for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
I like the word flourishing to describe faith because flourishing is not just success or growth but thriving which includes personal improvement, happiness, and fulfillment.
These words from Corrie Ten Boom say it well…
“Faith is like radar that sees through the fog — the reality of things at a distance that the human eye cannot see.”
May the Lord bless you and give you flourishing faith until Jesus returns.
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May our loving God grant us that flourishing faith every day that we wait for Jesus’ return. Blessings, Deb, and keep looking up!
Amen, Martha! That is my prayer for us … a flourishing faith that grows with hope and joy and we anticipate Jesus’ glorious return. Yes, may we all keep looking up!
How do you find your way back to the Lord. For nearly a year, I allowed life’s business to occupy my time that pushed reading God’s Word out. I listen to sermons but know it’s not the same. Something is broken in that connection that I used to have with God. I know it’s me…I know I should make a more honest effort to spend time with Him…yet, it continues to fall to the wayside. I lost three of my old kitties within the past month. Had them for 18 yrs, so it really cut deep in my heart. I prayed for them but seemingly got the no answer.
I’ve been praying for my husband’s healing over the promises received from the Lord 4 hrs ago but his condition is getting worst. I know the fault lies with me and my faith…but feel lost and can’t find my way back to Him. So not that I don’t have a flourishing faith, bit even that tiny seed I used to have seem that dwindled away….
Oh, Gaby, I think we’ve all had ebb and flow seasons. It’s a blessing to KNOW that God continues to be patient with us even when we foolishly get distracted and overly independent. I’m joining you in praying for your husband. Asking God to restore him to good health and bless you both with perfect peace. I’m sorry to hear about your kittins. We get so attached to our pet friends. I got a puppy a few months ago when my senior dog died and I crazy about this little thing. She’s a stinker but she makes me smile.
May the Lord fill your days with joy and peace as He walks with you and draws your close. God be with you and bless you!
Trials have increased my faith. One thing I know for sure, when I am going through anything, God is with me. He is beside me, in front of me, behind me and a lot of times He has to carry me. I am grateful for the trials that have taught me trust. One I have been going through for the last few years has been the hardest. Faith in God and knowing He is with me has brought great comfort to my soul. It has not been easy!! Lots of tears and sleepless nights. So, I won’t sugar coat this. Going through things is not easy at all. We all know that. I am just so very thankful for Jesus, His love and mercy, and knowing HE NEVER CHANGES NOR DOES HIS LOVE FOR ME. God bless you Deb for being the person you are in Christ. You help us all with your knowledge and your compassion and understanding.
Hugs my friend!
I agree, Sue. It is going through the worst that God has drawn me the closest. He spoke to me through His Word and I’m praying to continue to draw close and learn more about Him every day until the day I stand in His glorious presence. Thank you for your sweet encouragement! Love you, dear friend!