Imitate while you wait

In John 14:1-3 we read the words of Jesus saying, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”

For those who have put their trust in Jesus for salvation, our glorious hope is that one day He will return for us, and we will be with Him forever. But what about now? What do we do while waiting?

While He’s preparing a better place for us, He’s prepared us for this place while we wait. He’s given us the sacrifice of His life, the power of His resurrection, the wisdom of His holy word, the guidance and indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and His own example of living in submission to and delight in our God.

So how do we make the most out of the wait? The key is to be imitating while waiting. In John 13 and 14 we see four keys to making the most of the wait.

W — Workout — Exercise your faith muscles … Word, Worship, Wash, Pray, Practice, Patience.

Get into the word regularly and meditate upon it. Worship and praise the Lord. This is why we exist. Wash regularly by asking forgiveness for your wrongs and letting Him wash your feet by cleansing you. Pray in and about everything, asking in His name (meaning in His will, character, and timing). Practice what you see in scripture and hear from the Lord. Be patient with His coming and with yourself as you grow.

Verse 14:1, 14 Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. Ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!

A — Awake and Alert — Be anticipating. Time is short. What you do with it should be long. Make the moments and days count for His Kingdom.

Verse — 13:31, 33 … The time has come … only a little longer.

I- Imitate Jesus — Serve and love. Wash feet, perhaps not in the literal sense, but in the spiritual sense of loving people when it’s not easy. Remember, Jesus even washed the feet of Judas, knowing he would betray Him.

Verse — 13:34, 14:12 Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other … anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done.

T- Tell and Teach — Evangelize and disciple. Fill His house! It’s not His will that any should perish, so while we wait, let’s tell others about who He is and what He’s done, offering them the opportunity to trust in Him. He’s too good to keep to ourselves!

Verse — 13:35, 14:2, 10 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples … There is more than enough room in my Father’s home … The words I speak are not my own, but my Father

Be imitating while waiting.