Patience

Happy Sunday!

2 Peter 3:9 says, "Don’t overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day.  God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of YOU, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to CHANGE."(Message).  

God is merciful, and patient.  These are also attributes he'd like for us to develop as well.  James 1:2-4 says, "Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing."(Voice).  Don't miss this!  God wants us Mature, Complete, and Wanting Nothing.  

The Psalmist wrote, "Oh, how love I Your law! It is my meditation all the day.  You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies, for [Your words] are ever before me.  I have better understanding and deeper insight than all my teachers, because Your testimonies are my meditation."(Psalm 119;97-99, Amplified).  The secret to patience and endurance is meditation on the Word.  The Word of God has everything we need to survive, and thrive.  Proverbs 3:4-8 says, "If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself.  In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.  Don’t be conceited, sure of your own wisdom. Instead, trust and reverence the Lord, and turn your back on evil; when you do that, then you will be given renewed health and vitality."(Living Bible).

Dr. Bill Winston mentioned John 2:10 in the Increase Message today.  I've probably told you how much I enjoy this scripture.  Jesus and the Disciples were invited to a wedding.  His mother frantically alerts him that they are out of wine.  Jesus ask her why this should matter to him.  She turns and tells the servants to do whatever he tells them.  The water was turned to wine, the hosts were not embarrassed, and the Master of Ceremonies says, "Everybody I know begins with their finest wines and after the guests have had their fill brings in the cheap stuff.  But you’ve saved the best till NOW!”(Message).  When we are looking at life, and wondering why it's taking so long for this or that to happen...it's comforting to be reminded that God saves the Best for Now!  Hebrews 11:1 echoes this fact, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."(KJV).  The Living Bible translation says, "What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead."

Don't give up!  

Patiently waiting.  Love and prayers, Cynthia