Category Archives: Longing

Two women happily hugging on a busy train station platform with luggage
Bible, Longing, Promises, Romans, Scripture, Waiting

BUT NOW

ROMANS 15:23

“but now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you”

I had the privilege last year to travel down to the Dominican Republic to lead a conference for our Every Man a Warrior ministry alongside a colleague from here in the U.S. and our leader there in the D.R., Dierf Dumene. I had known Dierf for a few years but had never had the privilege of a face-to-face meeting. When he picked us up at the airport, our embrace lasted more than a little while. I had finally made it to see him. We had been praying for this for a long time.

I can relate a bit to Paul’s words in today’s verse. From the time of Paul’s first missionary journey back in A.D. 47 to the time Paul wrote this letter to the Roman church, ten years have passed. It would be a couple of more years until he actually made it there and would arrive as a prisoner under house arrest. Not exactly the way he probably wanted to get there. Paul knew his journeys were at the will of the Father, so he has waited patiently.

APPLICATION

Maybe you have had some of those “but now” moments when at long last you were able to go somewhere or do something you had been longing for. You may have wanted to get married for years, and when you finally do, you are so excited. Maybe it’s the longing for a baby. You have planned and planned, and the day finally arrives. You are a mom or a dad! Now what? Yea, now the fun begins, lol.

Paul wasn’t trying to run away from where he was at the time. He had a fruitful ministry in Corinth and had been able to teach and train others to carry on the ministry there. Now his sights were set once again on Rome. He had heard plenty about the believers there and wanted to be with them and encourage them. Paul had a shepherd’s heart. His desire was always pointed heavenward. He knew he could be of service to the Roman church.

They say good things come to those who wait. When Paul finally arrived in Rome as a prisoner under house arrest, he was allowed certain freedoms. He could welcome visitors to the home where he was held awaiting his hearing. Think of the countless Roman believers who made that trip to see Paul there. They were thrilled to sit and hear him teach. And those Roman soldiers who guarded him were influenced by those teachings. We know of many Roman soldiers who came to Christ, probably as a direct result of Paul’s time there.

Don’t underestimate your waiting time. God is never late and is preparing you for the right place and right time. God may have been telling you to wait, but now…

Lord, I am ready for the “but now.” Use me however You choose.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Home, Longing, Love, Scripture

A DEEP LONGING

PHILIPPIANS 2:26

“because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.”

I normally really enjoy my trips overseas, especially to my second home of Kenya. I have such dear friends and colleagues there. However, my last trip was a long one and I began to long for home. I missed my wife and my new grandson. It was the first trip that I can remember that my wife also missed me greatly, lol. Seriously, she had not been feeling well so she really wanted me home. I pledged then to not make these trips last more than two weeks from now on.

Homesickness is a real thing, and Epaphroditus experienced it while he was with Paul. As Paul mentions here in today’s verse, Epaphroditus had fallen sick, and word had reached the Philippian church about this. He was “longing for” his home and his church family. He was committed to being with Paul, but his heart was pulling him homeward.

APPLICATION

Paul had used this word for “longing” earlier in this letter (1:8) when he said, “For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” So, Paul understood Epaphroditus’ desire to return home. He did not begrudge him that. In fact, Paul sends him home. He doesn’t just let him go. He gave Epaphroditus a mission to accomplish – return home and bring news of me to the church.

But I really like how Peter uses this word in 1 Peter 2:2. “…and like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,…” That should be our true longing, amen? The word “longing” means to have an intense yearning for something. Do you have that kind of desire for God’s Word?

My grandson has been taking his mother’s milk since he was born. Now that he is ten months old, he has been introduced to other foods, but that mother’s milk is still nourishing him each day. He needs that to grow strong. The “pure milk of the word” will nourish and sustain you. Whether you are longing for your physical home, like I was last year in Africa, or your heavenly home, long more for His Word. That is what will lead and guide you here on earth.

Lord God, I do long for my heavenly home but give me a stronger yearning for Your Word.

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