“Instant Versus Patient”

“Instant Versus Patient”

            ^{“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.”}

^{Colossians 1:9-11 NIV}

         ^{I send a text and impatiently watch the blinking dots as I wait for a reply. Three to five minutes seems too long to have to microwave food. A minute-long wait at the traffic light is long enough to make me wonder if it’s defective.}

         ^{So much of our living today is geared to the instant. Even the name of Instagram is based on the words, “instant camera” and “telegram.” Instant is our preferred way of life.}

         ^{But I have a feeling that instant isn’t God’s way of operating. He seems to take a longer view of our lives. If I pray about something and don’t get an instant answer, what does that mean? Should we hit “resend” on our prayers because God didn’t seem to get them yet? Or does God want to help us extend our endurance so we can make it beyond instant?}

         ^{Patience is part of the fruit of the Spirit (See Galatians 5:22-23). Patience is evidence that God is at work in us. Sometimes His answer is no! Sometimes He answers with a yes! But sometimes His answer is to give us patience rather than instantly fixing our situation.}

         ^{My friend, today remember that instant answers aren’t always the best answers. May God help you learn to be patient today!}

^{For those of you who will be worshiping at the Mt. Laurel Church of God this coming Sunday, October 6, we’ll be celebrating World Communion Sunday with the ordinances of Feetwashing and Communion. God’s message through Pastor Dale will be from John 6:51-58. Consider reading this Scripture before coming to worship or before watching on Facebook so your heart is ready to hear the Holy Spirit’s voice.}

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.