What Should We Be. Doing While We Wait For Christ's Coming?

 What Should We Be Doing While We Wait for Christ’s Coming?

Living Faithfully, Peacefully, and Purposefully Until He Returns

“Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.”
—Matthew 24:46

Jesus promised that He would return.

For nearly two thousand years, believers have lived with this expectation. Every generation has watched world events, witnessed suffering, and wondered whether it might be the generation that sees Christ come.

But knowing that Jesus will return raises an important personal question:

What should we be doing while we wait?

Should we withdraw from ordinary life and watch the skies?

Should we continually study prophetic timelines and attempt to determine the date?

Should we live anxiously, wondering whether we have done enough?

Should we remain so busy with religious activity that we never allow ourselves to rest?

Jesus gave His disciples a much more balanced answer.

We are to watch for Him while remaining faithful to the responsibilities He has placed before us.

We are to prepare for eternity while continuing to live obediently today.

We are to wait with anticipation—but not with panic.

The Christian life is not merely about waiting for Christ to return. It is about faithfully representing Him until He does.

Jesus Promised to Come Again

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus comforted His troubled disciples:

“I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself.”
—John 14:2–3

Jesus was leaving, but He was not abandoning them.

His departure had a purpose. His Father’s house had room for them, and He promised that their separation would not be permanent.

After Jesus ascended into heaven, two angels told the disciples:

“This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner.”
—Acts 1:11

The Christian hope is not based upon speculation, emotion, or wishful thinking. It rests upon the promise of Jesus Christ.

He came the first time exactly as Scripture promised.

He died for our sins.

He rose from the grave.

He ascended to the Father.

And He will come again.

Do Not Stand Looking Into Heaven

After Jesus ascended, the disciples stood looking upward. The angels asked them:

“Why do you stand gazing up into heaven?”
—Acts 1:11

The disciples were not wrong to look toward the place where Jesus had disappeared. But they could not remain standing there indefinitely.

Jesus had already given them work to do.

They were to wait for the Holy Spirit, become His witnesses, proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and carry His message throughout the world.

Their hope of Christ’s return was not supposed to produce inactivity. It was supposed to give urgency and meaning to their service.

We can make a similar mistake.

We may become so absorbed in prophecy, world events, and speculation about the timing of Christ’s return that we neglect the people and responsibilities directly in front of us.

Prophecy should awaken us, not paralyze us.

The promise of Christ’s coming should make us more faithful—not less engaged.

Waiting Is Not Doing Nothing

In the Bible, waiting upon the Lord is not passive resignation. It is trusting, obeying, serving, and persevering while God fulfills His promise.

Jesus illustrated this through servants awaiting their master’s return:

“Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning.”
—Luke 12:35

Their master was away, but the servants remained prepared. The lamps were burning, the household was attended, and the servants were ready to open the door when he arrived.

They did not know precisely when he would return.

Their responsibility was not to calculate the hour. Their responsibility was to remain faithful.

Jesus did not say:

“Blessed is the servant who correctly predicts when his master will return.”

He said:

“Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.”

The question is not merely whether we believe Jesus is coming.

The question is:

What will He find us doing when He comes?

1. Abide in Christ

Our first responsibility is not frantic activity. It is abiding in Jesus.

He said:

“Abide in Me, and I in you.”
—John 15:4

We cannot produce lasting spiritual fruit through our own strength. A branch does not struggle to manufacture life independently from the vine. It bears fruit by remaining connected to its source.

Waiting faithfully begins with a continuing relationship with Christ.

We abide by:

• Trusting Him.

• Remaining in His Word.

• Speaking with the Father in prayer.

• Responding to the Holy Spirit.

• Confessing sin when He brings conviction.

• Receiving His grace when we fail.

• Continuing to depend upon Him.

This protects us from two opposite dangers.

One is spiritual laziness: doing little because we assume Christ’s return will solve everything.

The other is anxious striving: behaving as though Christ’s Kingdom depends entirely upon our effort.

Abiding teaches us to work from fellowship with Christ rather than attempting to work for Him without His strength.

2. Keep His Commandments

Jesus said:

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
—John 14:15

Waiting for Jesus includes treasuring, guarding, and practicing His words.

We do not prepare for His return merely by studying the signs of the times. We prepare by obeying the Lord who gave us those signs.

If Jesus tells us to forgive, we should not postpone forgiveness until tomorrow.

If He tells us to pray for those who hurt us, we should begin praying today.

If He tells us to love one another, we should not allow political, cultural, personal, or denominational differences to fill our hearts with hatred.

If He tells us to speak truthfully, we should not excuse dishonesty because the surrounding culture accepts it.

If He gives us an ability to serve others, we should not bury it while waiting for a more important opportunity.

Readiness is not primarily demonstrated by what we know about prophecy.

It is demonstrated by what we do with the words of Jesus.

3. Watch and Pray

Jesus repeatedly joined watching with prayer:

“Watch therefore, and pray always.”
—Luke 21:36

Watching does not mean living in constant fear or interpreting every news headline as unquestionable proof that a specific prophetic event has begun.

Biblical watchfulness means remaining spiritually awake.

A watchful believer asks:

• Is anything gradually drawing my heart away from Christ?

• Am I becoming careless about sin?

• Have comfort and convenience become more important than obedience?

• Am I allowing fear to govern my decisions?

• Am I growing bitter because of mistreatment?

• Am I listening to teaching without testing it against Scripture?

• Have I become too distracted to recognize what God has placed before me?

Prayer keeps watchfulness from becoming anxiety.

We do not watch the world as people without hope. We watch while speaking with the Father, trusting His sovereignty, and asking for strength to remain faithful.

We should be alert—but we do not have to be afraid.

4. Use What God Has Entrusted to You

The Parable of the Talents teaches that the Master entrusted His servants with different amounts “according to each one’s own ability.”

One received five talents.

Another received two.

Another received one.

The servants were not responsible for what someone else received. Each servant was responsible for faithfully using what had been placed in his own hands.

While we wait for Christ, we should ask:

What has God entrusted to me?

It may include:

• Time.

• Money.

• Knowledge.

• Life experience.

• Spiritual gifts.

• A compassionate heart.

• The ability to teach or write.

• A willingness to listen.

• Opportunities to encourage.

• Relationships through which we can demonstrate Christ’s love.

• A personal testimony of God’s faithfulness.

We do not all have the same strength, health, opportunities, or abilities. God does not ask us to reproduce another person’s ministry.

He asks us to be faithful with our own assignment.

One person may preach to thousands.

Another may mentor one struggling individual.

One may travel to another country.

Another may pray faithfully from a chair at home.

One may write a book.

Another may send an encouraging note.

One may give generously.

Another may offer time, wisdom, or companionship.

Faithfulness is not measured solely by visibility or size.

Jesus sees what He entrusted to us, what opportunities He provided, and how we responded.

5. Love and Encourage One Another

Paul connected Christ’s return with encouragement:

“Therefore comfort one another with these words.”
—1 Thessalonians 4:18

The return of Christ was never meant to become a weapon used to frighten sincere believers. It is described as our blessed hope.

We live in a world filled with grief, uncertainty, conflict, illness, loneliness, and fear. People need more than prophetic information. They need believers who demonstrate the character of Christ.

While waiting, we should:

• Comfort those who are grieving.

• Listen to those who feel forgotten.

• Encourage those who are exhausted.

• Visit those who are lonely.

• Pray for those who are suffering.

• Forgive those who have wronged us.

• Bear with people who are still growing.

• Remind discouraged believers of God’s faithfulness.

People may forget many of the facts we taught them, but they may always remember that we remained beside them during a painful season.

Love is not a distraction from preparing for Christ’s return.

Love is part of the preparation.

6. Share the Gospel

If we truly believe that Jesus is returning, we should care about people who do not yet know Him.

The Gospel is not merely a warning about judgment. It is the good news that God loved us and sent His Son to save us.

Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. Forgiveness and eternal life are offered through Him.

While we wait, we can:

• Pray for people who do not know Christ.

• Look for natural opportunities to speak about our faith.

• Explain the Gospel in understandable language.

• Share how Jesus has changed our lives.

• Invite questions without turning every conversation into an argument.

• Treat unbelievers with compassion and dignity.

• Point people toward Scripture.

• Trust the Holy Spirit to convict and draw them.

We cannot force anyone to believe.

We plant.

We water.

God gives the increase.

Our future lesson on sharing the Roman Road one-on-one will help us present the Gospel clearly. But even before learning a particular method, we can begin by loving people, praying for them, and remaining ready to explain the hope within us.

7. Work Faithfully in Ordinary Life

Not every act of faithfulness looks overtly religious.

A believer can honor Christ by:

• Keeping a promise.

• Caring for a spouse.

• Encouraging a child or grandchild.

• Managing money honestly.

• Completing necessary work.

• Treating customers fairly.

• Preparing a meal.

• Caring for a pet.

• Being patient with a difficult person.

• Praying quietly for someone.

• Resting responsibly so the body can recover.

The return of Christ does not make ordinary responsibilities meaningless. It gives them eternal significance when they are offered to God.

Paul wrote:

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”
—Colossians 3:23

We do not have to search constantly for dramatic assignments. Much of faithfulness consists of doing ordinary things with love, integrity, gratitude, and obedience.

The Master may return while we are teaching a lesson—or while we are washing dishes.

The important question is whether we are living with Him and for Him.

8. Rest Without Guilt

Faithful waiting does not mean remaining busy every waking moment.

Our bodies require rest. Our mental energy changes with age, illness, stress, and treatment. Jesus understands the difference between laziness and genuine weariness.

He told His disciples:

“Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”
—Mark 6:31

Rest can become unhealthy when comfort becomes more important than obedience. But rest itself is not rebellion.

Watching appropriate television, enjoying music, taking a nap, walking a dog, visiting with friends, or sitting quietly can be responsible ways of receiving needed restoration.

We should examine whether entertainment controls us, pollutes our minds, or continually displaces something God has clearly told us to do. But we should not assume that every form of relaxation represents spiritual failure.

At different seasons of life, faithfulness will look different.

A younger believer may be able to serve for many hours.

An older believer may offer shorter periods of focused service, accumulated wisdom, patient prayer, and years of life experience.

A person undergoing medical treatment may have considerably less energy than before.

God does not ask us to pretend that our bodies have no limitations. He asks us to offer faithfully the strength we presently possess.

Resting for a time does not mean we have stopped waiting for Jesus.

It may help us continue the journey.

9. Do Not Set Dates

Jesus said:

“But of that day and hour no one knows.”
—Matthew 24:36

Throughout history, people have attempted to calculate the date of Christ’s return. Every failed prediction has caused confusion, disappointment, and sometimes ridicule toward the Christian faith.

Jesus did not tell us to discover the date.

He told us to remain ready.

There is an important difference between recognizing that Christ could return and claiming to know precisely when He will return.

We may observe world events and compare them carefully with Scripture. But we should remain humble about our conclusions and avoid presenting speculation as though it were revelation.

If our readiness depends upon recognizing the final countdown, we have misunderstood readiness.

The faithful servant remains prepared whether the Master returns today, tomorrow, or after the servant’s earthly life has ended.

10. Do Not Be Deceived

When the disciples asked Jesus about His coming, His first warning was:

“Take heed that no one deceives you.”
—Matthew 24:4

Waiting believers must be discerning believers.

A teacher may quote many verses and still draw conclusions the verses do not support.

A dramatic title may attract attention without accurately representing Scripture.

A sincere believer may repeat a popular story that has been embellished over time.

A message may contain a valuable warning while also using fear, guilt, or speculation to pressure the listener.

We should not reject every teacher who makes a mistake. Neither should we accept everything because the speaker appears knowledgeable or confident.

We must ask:

• What does the biblical passage actually say?

• What is the surrounding context?

• Is this conclusion clearly taught, reasonably inferred, or merely imagined?

• Does the message point me toward Christ or make me dependent upon the teacher?

• Does it produce conviction that leads to repentance—or vague condemnation that leaves no path toward grace?

The Word of God is our final authority.

11. Live With Hope, Not Fear

Paul called Christ’s appearing the “blessed hope.”

That is an important phrase.

The return of Christ is not intended to be a continual threat hanging over the believer’s head. For those who belong to Jesus, His coming means that faith will become sight, suffering will end, sin will lose its presence, and we will be with the Lord.

This does not remove the seriousness of accountability. Believers will give an account of their stewardship, and our works will be tested.

But we will stand before the One who loved us and gave Himself for us.

Preparation should involve reverence, repentance, and faithfulness—but not hopeless terror.

John wrote:

“And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence.”
—1 John 2:28

Notice that John did not tell frightened believers to save themselves through frantic religious activity.

He told them to abide in Christ.

Confidence at His appearing grows from remaining close to Him today.

What Will Jesus Find Us Doing?

Jesus may return during our lifetime.

Or He may call us home through death before that day arrives.

Either way, every believer will eventually stand before Him.

When that moment comes, will He find us:

• Trusting Him?

• Abiding in Him?

• Keeping His words?

• Loving others?

• Forgiving those who hurt us?

• Using what He entrusted to us?

• Encouraging discouraged people?

• Sharing the Gospel?

• Repenting when we fail?

• Continuing faithfully within our present strength?

Jesus is not asking us to accomplish everything.

He is asking us to be faithful with our part.

We do not control the timing of His return.

We do not control the responses of other people.

We do not control every circumstance surrounding us.

But we can choose to trust, obey, love, serve, pray, and remain available today.

A Simple Daily Pattern While We Wait

Each morning, we can pray:

“Father, thank You for another day. Help me live today in a way that pleases You.”

Then we can ask:

1. What truth do I need to remember today?

2. Is there a command of Jesus I need to obey?

3. Is there someone I should encourage or forgive?

4. What responsibility has God placed before me?

5. Is there an opportunity to demonstrate or share the Gospel?

6. What burden do I need to release into the Father’s hands?

7. How can I remain ready without becoming anxious?

At the end of the day, we can pray:

“Father, thank You for carrying me through this day. Forgive where I failed, receive what I offered faithfully, and give me the rest I need. If You give me tomorrow, help me walk with You again.”

That is a life of readiness.

A Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that Jesus will come again.

Protect us from becoming careless, distracted, fearful, or deceived while we wait. Keep us from wasting our lives, but also deliver us from anxious striving and unnecessary guilt.

Teach us to abide in Christ, treasure His words, and obey what He has commanded. Help us love others, encourage the discouraged, forgive those who have hurt us, and share the Gospel with compassion and clarity.

Show us what You have entrusted to each of us. Give us wisdom to recognize our assignment and faithfulness to complete what You place before us.

Help us accept the season of life we are in. Teach us to serve with the strength we have rather than condemning ourselves for the strength we no longer possess. Give us rest when our bodies and minds are tired, and awaken us whenever comfort begins to replace obedience.

Keep our lamps burning and our hearts prepared. May Jesus find us faithfully doing what He assigned when He comes—or when He calls us home.

Until then, help us watch, pray, work, love, and wait with hope.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

A Final Question

If Jesus came today, what would He find you doing?

Would He find you attempting to predict His arrival?

Would He find you frightened and uncertain?

Would He find you distracted by things that have no eternal value?

Or would He find you quietly and faithfully doing what He placed before you?

You do not have to do everything.

You do not have to imitate someone else’s calling.

You do not have to exhaust yourself trying to prove your devotion.

Abide in Christ.

Keep His words.

Love people.

Use what He entrusted to you.

Share the hope of the Gospel.

Rest when you are genuinely tired.

Repent when you fail.

And faithfully take the next step He places before you.

We may not know when the Master will return.

But by His grace, He can find us faithful when He does.