Random Thoughts

16th May 2011

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Patience Part 1 

Recently, I was able to read a few devotionals that had to do with patience. I figure it was only fitting that I would post these for the days leading up to my graduation since it does express a lot of the worries, stresses, yet beauty that will come with the next step in life. I wanted to share these devotionals since I feel that a lot of us can relate to it, whether it be because of finals, work (or finding work),  etc. 

The first part reflects upon a mindset that I know I’ve had a lot recently and maybe other people as well, followed by verses from the bible, and finally, something to think about. 

“I don’t know about you, but waiting on God can be very frustrating. I always hear about how God answers our prayers, but I feel like I’m always waiting for answers rather than seeing results. The same goes for spending time alone with God in prayer. It sounds easy in concept, but once I actually try to be alone with God for any extended amount of time (and by extended I mean five minutes) I get restless. And that’s my dilemma. I know I am useless without the Holy Spirit’s strength and power. Through prayer I spill out my heart to God. I ask for His strength when times are hard, for patience in my prayer life, and for the rest He gives. He promises to give me all of these. I just wish the process worked a little faster. 

(Paraphrased from Colossians 1:9-12)

“Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attunted to his will, and so acquire a throrugh understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more about how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul- not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.”

“God rarely, if ever, gives instant results. He works patiently with us and tells us to wait patiently on Him. He will give you strength, greater than any strength on earth; it’s a heavenly strength that produces patience and joy. Just wait. As you do, read through the passage on more time. What could Paul’s words be saying to you? Express yourself to God in a way that is enjoyable to you. The Holy Spirit will hear your prayer and breed strength, joy, and patience in your life.”

It’s amazing to see how much truth there is there. I can definitely see this happening word for word literally. Even though times have gotten unbelievably hard and sometimes really frustrating and hopeless,  we continue to get through it because of what God provides for us. He will build us up more than we could have ever imagined. He will take us deeper than we’ve ever gone. He will let us learn so much more about what this life is about. I just need to be patient to believe that He will provide.