Lake Deaton at Home

Friday, December 10, 2021

Witness:  Diane Hatfield

Scripture:  Philippians 4:6-7

Weekly Theme: Peace

I am a former elementary school teacher and school librarian.  Having much patience is instrumental when working with children every day.  But have you noticed how some of us are losing patience in our lives?  We order fast food; we can have almost anything delivered to our doorstep in one day, we can get the latest news with one swipe of our phone.  We expect to get what we want when we want it.

I had been praying for God to help me change my life, but he didn’t seem to be giving me the answers or help that I was expecting.  Why not?  Because I was so busy trying to figure things out on my own that I didn’t open myself up to be patient and listen. 

On my early morning walk one morning, instead of listening to a self-help podcast, I walked in silence and took in the beauty all around me.  I marveled at all the scenery and creatures that God had put on this earth.  I gave thanks to the Lord for my life and the opportunity to live in such a magnificent world.  

Can you guess what happened next?  God gave me an answer to that prayer I had prayed about for many months.  God knows what we need and when we are ready to receive his help.  We need to be patient and open to hear his voice in his time, not ours.

Daily Prayer:  Lord, during this Advent season, help me look for opportunities to become kinder, more patient, and more open to your voice.  Amen.

Discussion/Reflection Questions:

1. With all the new conveniences in our world, do you find yourself more impatient?
2. Have you had an experience where God answered your prayer in a totally different way than you expected?
3.  In what areas of your life are you struggling with patience?