The Upper Room devotional reflection for Tuesday, February 7, 2023, was written by Denise Leite of São Paulo, Brazil.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge the Lord, and the Lord will make straight your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body.
Proverbs 3:5-8 NRSV
WAITING FAITHFULLY
A heavy rain began to fall while I was on my way to work. I took cover and watched the other people moving hurriedly down the street, trying unsuccessfully to keep dry. While I waited, I thought about how we are often like those people rushing through the rain. Impatient and desiring quick solutions, we ask God for help but often do not wait for an answer. We continue in the rain and feel frustrated about getting wet.
Soon the rain stopped, and I was able to go calmly on my way. In the same spirit, may we learn to wait in faith for the rain to pass. Putting our trust in God sometimes means waiting when we would rather take action. But waiting for God’s guidance and help allows us to take shelter until the path ahead is clear.
Friends,
We have heard the phrase patience is a virtue. Indeed, it is not always easy to be patient, taking a steady approach toward achieving our desired outcome. Maturing as people of faith and growing as a community of faith requires patience and consistency. Spiritual maturity cannot be microwaved, it must be painstakingly nurtured and developed through consistent practice of spiritual disciplines like prayer, reading scripture, fasting, and serving. We must be patient, seeking to develop the deep roots needed to produce a bountiful harvest. I invite you to be patient with the process God is taking you through, committing to do the small things that will lead to large outcomes.
-Pastor Anthony
Prayer:
Even when we are in a hurry, beloved Father, give us the patience to wait for your answer. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
- Denise Leite