The Test of Faithfulness: Waiting for the Bridegroom

 The Test of Faithfulness: Waiting for the Bridegroom

By Dr Joel Dabbas 

In our fast-paced world, waiting for anything can be a test of patience, but when it comes to our faith, the waiting is more than just time—it’s about faithfulness. There’s a powerful story that illustrates this very truth, one that mirrors the challenges the Church faces as we await the return of Christ.

The Story of the Waiting Bride

I once heard a story of a young, beautiful woman who became engaged to a military man. The two were in the midst of planning their wedding, eagerly preparing for the day they would unite their lives forever. But, as duty calls in the military, her fiancé was sent to the battlefield. Months passed, and she was left waiting.

As time went on, doubts began to creep into her mind. She asked herself: "Why put all my eggs in one basket? Why should I wait for a man who might never come back, or might return in a casket?" It wasn’t long before she convinced herself that there was no harm in seeking comfort from other men during his absence. She justified it, thinking that it wasn’t really cheating, but rather, a display of wisdom. After all, who could fault her for wanting companionship while her fiancé was gone for so long?

But when her soldier love finally returned, the situation had changed drastically. He came back to find that their relationship was no longer what it was, and everything turned sour. The trust, the commitment, and the bond they had once shared were shattered by her actions during his absence.

A Reflection of the Church

This story is a powerful reflection of the Church as the bride of Christ. Many believers feel disillusioned or impatient as they await the return of their Savior. Some become distracted by the worries and entanglements of the world, feeling as though Christ has delayed His coming. They might convince themselves that it’s okay to look for fulfillment elsewhere, just as the woman in the story did. But this is exactly where the test of faithfulness comes in.

Jesus warned us, saying, "When the Son of Man returns, will He find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8). The waiting period, the time between Christ’s ascension and His eventual return, is a test of our faithfulness.

What Faithfulness Really Means

Faithfulness is the true measure of our love for God. It’s not about external actions or appearances, but about the deep, authentic commitment that resides in our hearts. The test of faithfulness is not simply about waiting patiently; it’s about remaining loyal, true, and devoted, even when distractions and temptations arise. It’s about examining the inclinations of our hearts: Are we still wholly devoted to Christ, or have we been drawn away by the things of this world?

The true test of our faith is whether we are still living with the same love and conviction that we had when we first believed. Just as the waiting bride must remain faithful to her groom, we, as the bride of Christ, must stay faithful to Him—waiting with hope, trust, and unwavering loyalty until He returns.

Scripture References to Reflect On

As we wait, it’s important to remember the promises that Christ has given us. Here are some scriptures to meditate on during the waiting period:

• “When the Son of Man returns, will He find faith on the earth?” — Luke 18:8

• “The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.” — Matthew 25:1-13

• “Let us rejoice and be glad and give him the glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.” — Revelation 19:7-9

• “Be patient then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.” — James 5:7-8

A Final Thought

How are you waiting for Christ’s return? Are you staying faithful to your first love, or have distractions begun to pull you away? The test of faithfulness isn’t just about the length of time you wait—it’s about the authenticity of your heart during that time. Let us remain steadfast, keeping our eyes on our true Bridegroom, knowing that He will return to claim His bride.