Passage of the Day:
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that[h] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently, Romans 8:18-25.
Reflection:
Forbearance is the act of patience, leaning on self-control, restraint and tolerance to avoid losing it. I had a hot temper as a child, breaking and throwing things daily. When things didn’t go my way, I became an emotional wreck as if the world was going to end. Perhaps, childish outbursts in the first century inspired the apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:11. Trials have a way of revealing your emotional state of mind. Through errors, failures and setbacks in life, patient remains a goal that is rarely obtained. Like the aging of a fine wine, forbearance takes years of practice to possess.
Prayerful Action:
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God, Romans 8:26-27.
Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:
I was urged years ago to avoid praying for patience. Those who seek forbearance will be placed into circumstances where patience will be tested. These extreme situations will overwhelm you with nearly impossible odds. Yet, patience is a fruit of God’s Spirit so it’s the unicorn for many Christians. Nonetheless, if you keep in step with the Holy Spirit and lean on the power of the Great I Am, even forbearance is possible to those who believe.
Song of the Day:
I have been praying for God’s will for my life since moving to South Carolina in June of 2022. This prayer remains a mystery to me. Subsequently, balancing patience without losing my sanity has been challenging. This is the humbling journey of those who seek forbearance.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 