|
Devotion for Tuesday, April 21
Patience and Endurance
"We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need."
Colossians 1:11
Patience and endurance! If ever there was a recent time in the world when both were truly needed, now is the time. Patience to wait for this "pestilence" to pass. And endurance for all who work so hard to care for those afflicted. Obviously, to have enough patience and endurance for what is needed right now exceeds human limitations. We thank you, Lord for providing extra patience and extra endurance.
Any new situation in our lives often starts with our reaction to the novelty of whatever it may be. If it is a serious situation, then our reactions tend to quickly change to a more somber thought process. Initially, our patience is with adjusting to the new set of circumstances. But, afterwards, when the circumstances become more like repeating the same thing day after day, a new type of patience is needed. This is where endurance enters.
Endurance isn't too difficult when it lasts only a short time. However, as the time of patience and endurance must last longer and longer, then the difficulty arises. This is when we truly needs God's help "with all his glorious power". Fortunately, God has limitless power and will provide all that we need, for as long as we need, and He tells us to keep asking. Preferably, we are "gathering" for prayer, either with those people who live in the same house or through the use of technology. During these times of prayer, and even meditation, it is good to remember how much we are loved by the Lord and how much He provides for us. We are in a long distance race, much like a marathon of 26.2 miles. We must pace ourselves. We must remind ourselves of keeping enough energy for the duration; especially when we don't have a clearly defined end point. Maintaining our patience and endurance is critically important as we continue through the upcoming weeks. It is necessary to help prevent a second round of the virus. Time in prayer, for patience and endurance, is truly time well spent.
Let us pray: Praise be to God, our loving and caring Father and his Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit who provide us with all our material needs, but also provide us with all the the patience and endurance we need for the upcoming weeks. Amen.
Denise Clark, CSM
|
