The Upper Room Devotion for Friday, May 24, 2024, was written by Paul Kurpengmund Anda of Papua, New Guinea
Scripture
9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Romans 12:9-15 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
After completing my secondary-level education, I was unable to meet the requirements for college courses. After being at home for a year, a distant cousin told me I could find work in the city where many companies offered good pay; some would even pay for further study or professional training. My cousin said he could provide food and housing. With high hopes I went to the city with what little money I had.
After two months, however, I was still searching for a job. The house where we stayed had no proper light or water. It was crowded, and sometimes we had no food to eat. Some days I felt bitter, angry, or filled with self-pity. Other days, I would tell myself to be patient and keep looking for opportunities.
I prayed that God would make a way. Eventually I accepted my struggles and determined to be patient, though it was not easy. Finally, after one year and six months I joined a construction company as a day worker, then as a driver, and then as a section supervisor with some study privileges. This experience taught me how to live out today's scripture: "Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer."
Pastor Anthony's Thoughts
Friends,
As people of faith, we are often challenged by the need to be patient during our obstacles. Our desire is that God would work swiftly, if not instantaneously to answer our prayers and grant our requests. We often approach prayer as if, by simply praying, God is obligated to answer our prayers and give us what we ask for. A mark of spiritual maturity is the ability to serve and be a blessing to others, while we are waiting for God to bless us.
Author's Prayer
Lord Jesus, grant us patience in our struggles, and help us to remember your faithfulness in us. Amen.
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