Longsuffering and patience are not two words that say inconvenienced, for that word speaks of self. When we cannot do what we want to do because there are things that need to be done, we are inconvenienced, and the attitude with which we do those “necessary” things can be modified in a negative way.
“Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.” (Jer. 20:9)
Jeremiah got sick of it, his work for the Lord began at a very young age, and I am sure there was hope that the people would repent, even though the Almighty had told him that they would not. The message we are sent to give can be very inconvenient to us when no one is listening, we lose our patience and after the initial frustration, after the anger and then despondency, we say, “Enough, if they are not going to hear me, I have better things to do.” But His Word burns in our bones.
The days we are living in are not the ones that any of us who have been chosen by the Lord would choose to live in. There has always been sin and the influence of it upon mankind, but there was also a large group of people who reverenced the Most High God, and feared Him. That group is dwindling fast.
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;” (2 Tim. 4:3)
“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” (Matt. 24:12)
“For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,” (2 Tim. 3:2)
These are the most evident signs of the days and show the judgment of God is upon the nations. Fewer will listen to the message, far too many are concerned with self, with the day-to-day necessities of survival, they seek out the worst of information, instead of searching for the truth to offer to the lost. It has become inconvenient for them to spread the good news.
In the days that our Lord walked upon this earth many forgot that on nearly every street corner there was a Roman soldier, and his responsibility was to ensure that the rule of Rome was enforced, the nation was under the control of an invading force. The planet we live on is under the force of sin, our adversary is being given more control over it nearly every day, it is becoming more than inconvenient to speak truth, it is becoming dangerous.
I am sure you can recall just in the very recent past how many were told not to gather in groups, how they were told to stay home, to not travel, to obey or there would be consequences for their disobedience. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12) The Word of God is offensive to the wicked, to the lost, and it is one of the reasons that it has been many years now since you have heard the word “Repent” from the street corners and the churches.
The Romans tolerated the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ for a while, but not too long, they served Caesar as Ruler, but not as King. The only people standing in these days are those who have been crucified with Christ, those of the world who are attempting to do so may sound as if they are, saying that good can defeat evil, speaking of how we need to stand against the coming tyranny, but they offer none of the truths of the day, that the judgment of God has fallen upon mankind, and that what is approaching will be much more than inconvenient to them.
Standing for Jesus Christ without wavering may begin to cost you something, and that has not been the normal way for quite some time now, minor inconveniences may become much more than many may want to bear for His name. “Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?” (Psalm 94:16)
An opportunity to prove to yourself if you are the wheat or the chaff may be coming to your doorstep, Philippians 1:21 may become a reality to you, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” A decision may need to be made by you.
