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Devotional for by Minister Mamie Pack
Being Patient “7 Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart. 8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. 9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. 10 Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.” Ecclesiastes 7: 7-10 KJV My pastor would often say, what is in a person will eventually come out of a person. In other words, an individual can pretend to be someone he/she is not for only so long before what is truly in him/her will come to light. Sometimes, we can even fool ourselves into thinking that something does not exist in us. At least that is until we find ourselves in the midst of temptation, a storm, an affliction, or challenging situation. It is in those moments that we, and others, learn about what truly lies within us. In these moments, it can be quite common for the believer to become emotional. Some of us may exhibit doubt, some fear, and for others, even anger. Solomon begins these verses by saying even the wise, or seasoned believer, can become angry at the affliction he/she faces or become angry at the afflictions others face. In those moments of anger, one may say or do things that may not be considered normal behavior. A person may curse God, use language with others that is not Christ like, or loose control. As long as situations in life are bearable and somewhat under control, we may never realize that those actions lie within us. Sometimes, we think that we are above such behavior. Ah yes, in the moments when our faith, our calling, our giftings, our love for Christ, even our commitment is challenged; it is easy to want to speak up or put someone in their place. Yet, again Solomon guides the believer to be patient and do nothing in haste out of anger. In faith, believers are called to not see the situation for what it seems like, or the beginning of a matter, but are instead to see in faith the end of the matter and how God will bring us through. Just because it seems as though the load is heavy and unbearable, the Word already reveals that everything is working together for the good of them who love the Lord. So when we make decisions or say things in anger, it will ultimately damage the believer and his/her walk with Christ. For some, patience comes as a result of growing in those storms, afflictions and challenges. Our carnal nature desires to control a situation through our words and actions, but those who are in Christ are guided to be patient to wait for the guidance of Christ. In patience, we are submitting ourselves to His will. Patience requires trust. When we are patient, we are trusting that God is in control and that He knows what is best for us. These moments call us to maintain our temperament and hold steadfast to the Word of Christ. Challenges can be revealing agents used to awaken our spiritual eyes to where we are in our walk with Christ but just be patient in the process. Prayer Lord, we take for granted how awesome You are. At times in our lives, we allow ourselves to carry burdens and fix situations that we should be giving to you. Help us to stop trying to be in control and surrender every area of our lives to you. Forgive me for the times that I stepped in when You were guiding me to leave a situation alone. Grant me the words that are needed and the discernment on when to speak and when to be silent. I pray that I may seek you more in prayer so that I may grow in my walk with you. It is my desire that what comes out of me is more and more like you and less like the world. Thank you for providing your word as a tool to help me in this journey and for those who share your word in an uncompromising fashion. I am so glad you love me. In the name of Jesus, Amen. Suggested Weekly Monday Ecclesiastes 7:8 Tuesday Ephesians 4: 1-2 Wednesday Galatians Thursday Proverbs Friday James Saturday Ecclesiastes 7:9 Sunday Proverbs Application When you find yourself losing patience and want to control a situation yourself, stop and seek God in prayer for guidance on what to say or do and the timing of such actions. About the author: As a wife, mother, educator, daughter, friend, I, Minister Mamie L. Pack, seek to be an accessible tool to the Lord. It is my desire to use my gifting of writing to reach the lost, encourage the believer, and teach the people through the Word of Jesus Christ. Click here for other writings available at the author's blog www.LifeINowLive.blogspot.com Click here to send to a friend.
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