On Wednesday I asked the Lord to give me patience and gentleness. I am not new to this prayer, it is one I have asked for quite frequently over the years raising six small children so close in age. I chose Colossians 3:12 to meditate on throughout the day and then by 3:00 pm had gotten so overwhelmed by the schedule of the day I promptly forgot my lofty desires of the early morning. As the day came to a close I determined in my heart that I had chosen the wrong prayer for the day. Not the most encouraging self talk I have to admit and I went to sleep with the thought of trying again tomorrow. As Thursday dawned I cried out to God before my feet hit the floor, desperate for His being Lord over my all and asking Him to live through me and consume me with His Holy Spirit. As I opened my Devotional Thursday morning I smiled to see 2 Corinthians 12:9 as the scripture of the day. I mean ‘really?!’ It never ceases to amaze me how much He loves me. Because you see, 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. I can never exceed His grace, when I am weak He is strong and when I am empty, He is full. He can and will be this for you as well.
And just in case you do not have time to look up Colossians 3:12, here it is. So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. And for the ones who think praying for patience is a bad idea, I would like to remind you that some things worth having are not always easy to come by. I read the other day that God hides His most precious treasures for His saints in their most difficult and painful experiences.
Currently under construction by His grace, Leigh
