The Patience of God

I don’t consider myself a patient person. In fact, I am rather impatient. I learned several years ago NOT to pray for patience.  I have really calmed down some over the years and I’ve discovered the value of patience.  The Lord’s patience is mind blowing. He has displayed great patience with me over the years and I’m so thankful.

The people of Israel have tried the Lord’s patience for years as well. I was reading this morning where one of the tribes had not actually taken the land promised to them. Check this out…

¹ Now in those days Israel had no king. And the tribe of Dan was trying to find a place where they could settle, for they had not yet moved into the land assigned to them when the land was divided among the tribes of Israel. ² So the men of Dan chose from their clans five capable warriors from the towns of Zorah and Eshtaol to scout out a land for them to settle in. (Judges 18: 1-2 NLT)

As I read the rest of that chapter, I saw even more disobedience to the Lord. These people were making up new rules and worshipping idols. I can see the end in sight. The Lord seems to be supportive of them getting their land squared away.  The minute I start getting all wound up about their behavior, I feel like the Lord is reminding me of my journey. My journey with the Lord has not always been smooth and on track. My journey has been littered with times of disobedience and outright rebellion. The Lord has been so patient with me. I deserve punishment for some of the stupid things I’ve done, but He is still patient and filled with grace. I am so thankful and really speechless.

This time of quarantine is going to require great patience from everyone. This COVID-19 virus is some really bad stuff and evidently very easy to get. I am trying hard to exercise great patience and lean into the patience of God. I’m talking to the Lord often about this and the patience we all need to navigate this.

Pressing On!

Dwayne