Advent 2013 thoughts (Dec. 2)

Thoughts of advent and waiting reminded me of a conversation I had not long ago about prayer.  Someone was telling me that they had heard that you should “be careful what you pray for” – for example, you shouldn’t pray for patience because that would mean you were going to have to go through a period of waiting.

I remember when I first heard something like that.  Since I am not a big fan of waiting, it sounded reasonable to me.  But the Lord gave me another perspective.  It was as if He said, “You are going to have to wait for some things in your life.  Whether or not you pray for patience won’t get you out of those experiences.  The question is, when you do go through a period of waiting – and, again, let Me assure you that you will – wouldn’t you like to have some patience?” I had to admit that I thought patience would be a pretty handy quality to have in that event, especially in order to go through the time of waiting with the right attitude.

Galatians 5:22-23  (AMP)

²² But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,

²³ Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].

Song: While I'm Waiting, by John Waller 

“Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”

… and my journey with my God continues …