Monday, October 9
SCRIPTURE: “So now, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith in his promises, we can have real peace with him because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 For because of our faith, he has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be. 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us learn to be patient.” -Romans 5:1-3
OBSERVATION: Several years ago, at a time when I was struggling, a co-worker asked me, “You’re not praying for patience are you? If so, stop it! Ask God for grace and mercy.” You see the point. Praying for patience only begets the trials that cause you to grow in patience. (Rom. 5:1-3) Definitely doesn’t sound like the way to go. On the other hand, patience is promoted as something good in the Bible. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22), something to be clothed in (Col. 3:12) what love is (1 Cor. 13:4) and something to grasp onto during trials (Rom. 12:12). Patience signifies maturity. Therefore, only those seeking maturity should pray for it. Fortunately, grace and mercy are there while we wait. God is patiently waiting on us even when we can’t find the patience for Him.
PRAYER: Merciful Father, today allow us time to thank you for grace, and for time as we learn the many lessons you provide. Thank you for making it a life-long process and not a one-time event. Give us patience. We ask this because we know you are faithful and we know we will not be given more than we can handle. Bless us today and everyday as we seek You, In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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