Longing for the Kingdom of God

What is my need, my longing and my thirst? Does my inner being cry out to partake of more of Jesus’ life in the circumstances I find myself in? Am I in desperate need of God sending more of His Spirit and His light—His Spirit that is full of power, love, and peace? 2 Tim. 1:7.

In Heb. 13:14, we read: “For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come.” In other words, I am to live in a spirit of expectation, with a longing for God and His eternal kingdom, and not to allow my mind and thoughts to be preoccupied with things that belong to the earth which will one day perish. It is important that I understand this so that I do not invest my time, my thoughts, my interests and my resources in something that is passing away.

We are now in our time of education, and it is important to come under the guidance of the Spirit of God so that we fit into the everlasting kingdom of God and His Son. Here on earth, we experience all kinds of things, and it’s different for each of us. By being humble, willing, and suffering when the Spirit shows me sacrifices I need to give, I am transformed from being a completely corrupt person into someone who is divine. It becomes wholesome, good, and works as a drawing on those around me—especially for those who share the same calling. Just think how wonderful it is that I can help awaken this longing in other people.

God has been infinitely good to us. He has given us His commandments and promises, sent His only Son to die for us, and sent the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, so that we may all be driven by the same Spirit and power that was in Jesus. God has also given us guides, prophets, and all spiritual gifts that work together in such a way that I can be saved, always victorious, and ultimately be prepared for the kingdom of heaven, together with all the saints who have gone before me.

No one who patiently lives in this longing will ever be put to shame. Praised be God! Let us lay hold on eternal life!

Fred Erik Nilsen