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  IT WILL NOT BE LONG
  by C.H. Spurgeon
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Summary: The nearness of Christ's return should give us patience,
stability, and hope for the future.

Topics: "Patience", "Hope in Christ's Return"
Scripture References: Matthew 24:42, Romans 8:25, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Philippians 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:24, Hebrews 10:23, James 5:8, 2 Peter 3:9, Revelation 22:17, Revelation 22:20

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DESCRIPTION
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C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of patience and steadfastness in
the face of trials, reminding believers that the coming of the Lord is
near. He encourages the faithful to remain firm and stable, drawing
strength from the promise of Christ's return, which brings hope and
light to their present struggles. Spurgeon reassures that even in
weariness or temptation, the assurance of the Lord's imminent return
should inspire perseverance and dedication to God's work. The
anticipation of Christ's coming serves as a motivation to hold fast and
remain unmovable in faith.

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CONTENT
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Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord
draweth nigh. (James 5:8)

The last word in the Canticle of love is, "Make haste, my beloved," and
among the last words of the Apocalypse we read, "The Spirit and the
Bride say, Come"; to which the heavenly Bridegroom answers, "Surely I
come quickly." Love longs for the glorious appearing of the Lord and
enjoys this sweet promise - "The coming of the Lord draweth nigh." This
stays our minds as to the future. We look out with hope through this
window.

This sacred "window of agate" lets in a flood of light upon the present
and puts us into fine condition for immediate work or suffering. Are we
tired? Then the nearness of our joy whispers patience.

Are we growing weary because we do not see the harvest of our seed-
sowing? Again this glorious truth cries to us, "Be patient." Do our
multiplied temptations cause us in the least to waver? Then the
assurance that before long the Lord will be here preaches to us from
this text, "Stablish your hearts." Be firm, be stable, be constant,
"stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." Soon
will you hear the silver trumpet which announces the coming of your
King. Be not in the least afraid. Hold the fort, for He is coming; yea,
He may appear this very day.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ch-spurgeon/it-will-not-be-long/
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