A Rich Gift
Do you know who was the first in the Bible to loudly declare in public that Jesus was the Son of God?
The answer may come as a surprise. It was a legion of demons, speaking through the man of the Gadarenes, who first shouted, Jesus, Son of the Most High God for all to hear (Mark 5:7). The disciples seemed to be the last to boldly proclaim that Jesus was the Christ!
When I commented on this to a friend she marveled at God's patience with us. Imagine what He must endure as our Father ... the layers upon layers of fear and unbelief that must be pealed off each one of us before we'll declare, with power, Who He is!
God's patience is finally rewarded as we begin to bear fruit. But what about our own patience with others - and with ourselves? Sometimes I think that His patience which He has placed within us is His richest gift. As we learn to exercise and develop it, it brings great rewards. Jesus promises us:
Because you have guarded and kept My word of patient endurance, have held fast the lesson of My patience with the expectant endurance that I give you - I also will keep you (safe) from the hour of trial (testing) which is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell upon the earth (Revelation 3:10, AMPC).
Tonight, tap into the rich gift of patience which He has given you in His Son. Exercise it toward yourself and others, and watch for rewarding results.
God loves you and wants to answer your prayer. Say this prayer with me:
Heavenly Father, how I thank You for Your incredible patience towards me. I want so much to please You and to bring You honor as Your child. Teach and empower me to be patient with others; to endure with long-suffering toward them as You have had toward me. To You be the glory! In Jesus' Name, Amen.