Revelation 6:9–11: “When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.”

August 30th, 2022 by Pastor Ed in devotional

John describes a new group of people in heaven who, since they are martyred during the unfolding tribulation, cannot be the historical church. These tribulation saints are asking God to avenge their recent deaths. If this is true, that would leave the reader to conclude that the church has already been “caught up” into heaven, before these souls “under the altar” arrive. No doubt the sudden disappearance of believers all over the world will lead to a worldwide revival. This large number of souls under the altar are crying, “How long, O Lord?” Of course that is a sentiment that believers in every generation can relate to—the problem of patience.

American Pastor Phillips Brooks (1835–1893) was known for his quiet manner, but even he suffered moments of frustration over having to wait for things. One of his famous quotes came as he was feverishly pacing the floor of his study. “What’s the trouble, Pastor?” his secretary asked. “The trouble is that I’m in a hurry, but God isn’t!” God’s timing often seems to be at odds with our own. But His plans are slowly developing on the precise schedule He has dictated, and they will take place when all the correct pieces are in place.

Andrew Murray wrote this on the subject of patience:

A doctor was once asked by a patient who had met with a serious accident: “Doctor, how long shall I have to lie here?” The answer, “Only a day at a time,” taught the patient a precious lesson. It was the same lesson God had recorded for His people of all ages long before: The day’s portion in its day . . . be faithful for the one short day, and long years and a long life take care of themselves¹

This could be shorted to: Life by the yard is hard—by the inch it’s a cinch.

“LORD, we thank You that You are always on time in response to our requests. Help us to accept Your timing this day, in Jesus’ name.”

¹Andrew Murray, The Wisdom of Andrew Murray, Volume 1 (Radford: Wilder Publications, LLC., 2008)