I have been praying a lot lately asking God, what is it you want me to learn from this pandemic? As a whole, I feel He has really been pulling on my heart and mind to stop worrying and having fear. However, lately, I can’t help but to think that He is wanting me to learn patience. Patience with my children, patience for this pandemic to be over, patience with this pregnancy, I could keep on going.. As I process this, I can’t help but to thank God as this also relates to our children and their theme of fruits of the spirit, with this week guiding them with the fruit of patience. Being patient can be exhausting and draining especially when you are adapting to something new.
After reading so many different stories in the Bible, as Jesus was tempted by the devil in Matthew 4:1-11 when He was led to the wilderness and fasted for 40 days and nights. Jesus’ response to the devils temptations, He commanded the devil to leave and he did. Imagine, how depleted of energy Jesus must have been, the effects of not eating, but yet, Jesus worshiped the one and only God and fulfilled His purpose on Earth.
This story resonates with me because I think to myself, if Jesus was patient to wait for God’s timing and didn’t eat for 40 days and nights, I too, can continue to be patient with this pandemic, pregnancy, and every other way I can relate too.
What can we do to overcome our own impulses is to read the Word, pray, and stay connected to God. As Romans 12:12 states, “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer”. Finding guidance from God, He has provided ways to stay connected to Him, friends, and Family. Being patient allows for us to trust God and his timing. It allows us to grow deeper into our own relationship with Him. If you’re like me, you might be used to go, go, go, working, etc. And now, to be at home and be patient with this pandemic we're facing is testing my patience. I am eager for it to get over, to be together with family, and reunited and be present with the Church and the families/children.
What’s important in all this, is that we have a choice to make. Will you worship Him during these trials, lean on Him and wait for His timing or will we act on our own will? In order to receive the promises from God, we have to be patient. As Jesus replied, “You don’t understand what I am doing now, but someday you will.” John 13:7.
I’ll leave you with this one last thought, technology and social media means of contact have come so far, I can’t help but wonder if some of what Jesus is doing during this time has allowed for so many people get to know Him and His word! This is all made possible with the pandemic and churches and people adapting to a new way to do church.
Prayer:
Father God,
Thank you for teaching us about patience and for keeping your promises. Help us to rely on your word and guidance during these trying times. Let us draw nearer to you because knowing you hold the future is worth the wait. Continue to use us to help spread your love and message from the East to the West. Thank you for your love and grace.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Jess
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