Hi
Today’s Holy Nougat insists that I turn the spotlight inward; may it also be a blessing to you.
“We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,”. Colossians 1:11 NLT
Patience and I have often had a very tumultuous relationship. In fact; some might argue that I work assiduously to ignore her completely. So one could almost see that this prayer was customized for me. How about you – is this also an important prayer?
The prayer unpacks patience, or rather Long-suffering, in a way that may increase its popularity.
We note that patience, though evident in many, patience is also gifted to us from God (so all isn’t lost with us who struggle with being too impatient). Not only can we pray for our friends who are seeking this gift; but we can also make our requests known to God. And, there is the value-added benefit of experiencing a closer relationship with God to Whom we turn for guidance as we learn how to be still as God fulfils God’s purposes.
As I rediscovered; enmity with patience reduces Joy. Yup. We expend so much energy on what isn’t happening the way we planned that we become oblivious to the little miracles along the way. And many times make life miserable for others in the process. Uh huh. The writer is quite correct in including that bit on joy; for usually joy-full people have zero room for being impatient or miserable.
So as Paul (or his disciples) pray, may those of us who know we need this gift, receive with gratitude and experience with joy; that which is set for us in this season of faith.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
