Scripture:
James 5:7-9
7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.
8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Patience in Suffering
Focused only on my destination, I came to a traffic light. The car in front of me was straddling two lanes, and I noticed the driver was distracted - eating, drinking, and on the phone. The light changed, but their behavior didn't. I didn't hit the horn, but my mood was dark as they pulled out, then slowly wove between lanes. I finally passed them and was thinking unkind thoughts of how selfish they were.
Listening to the radio a few minutes later, a song’s lyrics caught my attention. The song described a driver, angry because of the car in front of them. And how, coming up next to this car at the light, he rolled down his window and was ready to scream out his frustration. Then he saw the driver’s face, a tearful distraught woman. His first words were to ask HOW she was instead of telling her WHAT she was.
He learned she had gotten a tragic phone call while driving, and road rage became roadside “service” for someone grieving.
I thanked God for the reminder to be patient with others. Like the driver in the song, I have no idea what others are going through. I still get impatient with others on the road, but now it's a reminder of God’s patience with me.
I’m often “weaving” from His path or going “too slow” when He wants me to do what He needs me to do for others.
Reflection Written by Bill Breuer
Prayer:
Gracious and loving Father, thank you for your patience with us as we get distracted from loving others as you love us. Help us to be patient with others and thank you for the opportunities you provide for us to practice this patience and strengthen it in our lives.
In Jesus's name, we pray, Amen.
Please take a moment to consider what God is speaking to you through the scripture passage and the devotional reflection.
Then, take some time for prayer—pray for your own soul, and lift up the names in our prayer list - Linda Augello, Joohee Lee, Chuck and Eileen Pfeiffer, Steven Pfersich, Pat Shute, Pat Sprengle, Ann & Tom Buckley, Sue Wegmann, Marie Dunning, Denise Buckley, Brandi Buckley, Howard Lathrop, Holly Peacock, Marie Tracy, Beverly Sargent.
You can also listen to the music provided below as a backdrop
for your time of prayer.
I Surrender All, United Methodist Hymnal 354