“For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” Hebrews 10:36
I’ve left this need until the last, because it is not the easiest thing to talk about. It has been said that we should never pray for patience, because the Lord will allow things to come into our lives to teach us patience. The writer of Romans said it this way: “knowing that tribulation worketh patience.”
I remember a friend a few years ago telling us: “I prayed the Lord would give me patience, but I didn’t realize he was going to send me Grampa.” She had recently taken over the care of an aging parent, and life in her home became quite different. How easy it is to say, “I want patience, and I want it now.” The things we go through teach us patience.
I doubt there is anyone who has not had a struggle with patience. The young mother responds to her toddler’s question of “why” over and over again, until finally she says: “Because Y is a crooked letter, and you can’t make it straight.” At least that is what I used to tell my children. When our teenagers question why they should or should not do something, we get tired of explaining and we say: “Because I said so.”
How many times, have you struggled with impatience when standing in line at the grocery store now that we must stay six feet away from everyone else? What about when you are waiting for the light to change at the intersection? These are everyday situations that test our patience. They may seem like little things, but as followers of Jesus Christ, we can ask Him to help us to be patient even at those times.
James 5:7 “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord.”
As we see what is going on in this world, we know that the coming of the Lord is drawing near. But there are still prodigals that we are praying for, wanting to see them return to the fold. Sometimes we get impatient and wonder why God is not answering our prayers. That is when we must trust Him that He is doing a work and that we will see the answer in His timing.
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19.
I am sure that some of you can think of many other needs we could add to this list. I hope you have enjoyed what the Lord has talked to me about over the last little while and that you have been blessed and encouraged to reach out to the Lord to meet your deepest needs.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus, that you know the deepest needs we have and that as we call on your Name that you will daily supply those needs in our lives.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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