Rejection

The title of this post is not the most inviting, but rejection is a reality. It doesn't just happen on the basketball court, but in life. It's something that affects relationships and our heart. It happens when we're young and even as we grow old. It hurts, but it can serve a purpose. I'd love for you to join me today at The Encouragement Cafe and learn more about this "Unexpected Opportunity!" Click HERE to read my devotional.

I'd love to hear about your experience with rejection and I encourage you to move beyond the pain and hurt. Let's share today about how God has used this trial.

In the midst of rejection, how have you experienced His protection, provision and presence?

Your shared experience just might encourage and comfort someone who's walking where you once stood. Thank you friend!!

Dear Heavenly Father, Lord thank you for being bigger than the rejection I experience. Thank you for the reminder that you work all things together for the good of those who love you. Thank you for your loving protection, endless provision and continual presence. Give me eyes to see you, a heart that seeks you and a mind that rests in your Truth. May my faith be stronger than my feelings. Don't ever let me forget that no matter what happens, you will never reject me. Thank you for your love Lord. In Jesus' Name, Amen. 

Daily Chores

Growing up as a farm girl, chores weren’t always my favorite thing. There were times I’d forget them and others I’d complain about them. When they interrupted my plans, I really didn’t like them. As a farmer’s wife, I’m sorry to say there have been times I felt the same about these daily tasks.  

Feeding the cattle can’t be neglected even when the big game is on. The cow must be milked even when there’s a wedding to attend. Chores need to be done when you’re healthy and even when you’re sick. When the sun is shining or the snow is falling. It’s a given: chores are a part of life on the farm.

Whether you call yourself a farm girl or not, there are parts of your daily routine that can’t go undone. It’s a part of life: there are things we have to do and that fact is true in a spiritual sense as well.

As disciples of Jesus, salvation is a gift. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our LORD.” Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us we can’t earn our salvation – “for it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Friend, these verses are encouraging and bring freedom, but as followers of Christ there are things for us to do. In John 15:4 Jesus says, “Remain in me, as I also in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” Accepting Christ brings salvation, but remaining in Him produces fruit. Salvation is a one-time experience, but abiding needs to be a daily practice.

As Christians we have daily chores…

PRAYER

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”  (Colossians 4:2)

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:12)

“the prayer of the upright pleases him.” (Proverbs 15:8b)

Scripture clearly tells us prayer is important, which is why it has become my first daily chore. I’m a writer, so I tend to journal my prayers, but I encourage you to find the method that works best for you. Praying out loud from your heart, writing prayers, praying prayers others have shared…there’s really no right or wrong way. On days when it’s hard to pray, remember the Spirit intercedes!

READING THE WORD

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8)

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)

Obviously the Word of God is powerful (Hebrews 4:12) and purposeful (2 Timothy 3:16-17), but we won’t receive the benefits of it without reading it, which is why it’s another daily chore we must do. Again, there are different ways to do this, but the important thing is we spend time in Scripture. Remember we don’t have to tackle it all at once. A farmer feeds the cattle a little bit every day, as believers we can do the same. Simply choose a book of the Bible to work through and read a bit each day.  Find a list of verses related to a topic and work through them during your daily quiet time. Take your time and read the Word…it’s about quality, not quantity.

WORSHIP

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.” (Psalm 100:1-2)

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1)

Worship is something we must take seriously and do daily. I’ve found it’s beneficial to begin my day with worship. Some days this looks like being still and listening to a worship song. Others it’s putting Romans 12:1 to prayer and asking God to help me offer my body, my life, my day to Him as worship. And sometimes, it’s adding to my thankful list as I praise God for who He is and all He’s done.

In closing, I want to share a lesson I’ve learned from my husband. He is a farmer, who willingly does his daily chores. Through the years, he’s helped me look at chores differently. They are not something he dreads, but instead work he enjoys. These jobs require work and sacrifice, but he’s never willing to compromise because he knows they serve a purpose. His daily chores are part of his calling and help him provide for his family.

Friend, if you and I move past seeing these disciplines as a duty to perform and instead remember they are daily chores for the Christian our perspective will change and motivation will increase. We’ll embrace the work that makes our faith grow and do the “chores” that strengthen our relationship with our Creator!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for calling me your own. Help me know you better and serve you more. Like the farmer, may I embrace my daily chores and be a disciple who prays, reads the Word and worships you. Equip me to do this in every season. Give me a desire to feed on your Word, pray from the heart and worship you rightly. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

What will you hear?

As a mom of 5 kids, I have plenty of experience with the "Mom, look at this!"stage most children go through. When kids do something or make something, they want a response. They long for encouraging words and praise from those they respect.

Friend, as adults you and I no longer voice these words, but there will be a day when someone takes a look at all we did and offers His response. On judgement day, we want have to ask for Jesus' attention, but will be asked to give an account and my hope is I hear the words the master spoke in Matthew 25:21 and 23 - "Well done good and faithful servant."

These words may be familiar to you, but I want to encourage you to look at them in context a bit more. I recently led a study on the parable of the talents and though it's a passage I've read numerous times, this was my first time really digging into it and I'm thankful I did. I was blessed with new insight, convicted by the truth and encouraged by the promise; I hope you are too!

As we begin I encourage you to capture some initial thoughts - What has God entrusted to you? If you're familiar with the story, what's the purpose of the parable? Now open your Bible to Matthew 25 and read verses 14-30. Any initial thoughts?

First of all a little background, Jesus is speaking to His disciples and sharing various parables about preparing for His return. Matthew, the author of this gospel, is writing to those waiting for Christ's return; clearly his audience hasn't changed today!

Now we're going to break things down a little bit and focus on verses 14 and 15. Who does the man leaving on a journey represent? (For help with this question see John 14:1-3 and Mark 13:34-37.) What did he do before leaving? Does anything strike you about how he did this?

I hope you've captured your thoughts before reading mine...the master entrusted the servants with talents according to their ability. Before you join some in feeling sorry for the servant who only received one let me share this - one talent is approximately $500,000, so they all received something of value. Plus the master knew each servant and gave them what they could handle. If you ever find yourself comparing gifts, opportunities or resources I pray this story comes back to mind. God, our master, our creator knows what He's equipped us to do and handle and has entrusted us with "talents" to fulfill our calling. We have an individual responsibility to handle them rightly; nobody else can do it for me, or you!

Let's move on to the action and read verses 16-18. What did the 3 servants do?

It's clear to see the first 2 went at once and generated a return while the 3rd one dug a hole and buried his talent. In my research I found an interesting rabbinical law that said one who buried money couldn't be held accountable for it. Initially that sounded a bit crazy to me, but as the Holy Spirit worked and my heart softened I began to wonder - Do I bury talents in hopes I won't be accountable? Not a fun question to think about, but definitely one we should consider.

In verses 19-23 we read the first response. What does the master say? Yes, he says the words we all hope to hear, but let's look at this a bit closer. Each servant was ready to give an account and they both produced an increase amount. The servants growth was different, but the master's response was the same. Friend, you've probably heard this before, but I'm going to say it again - God doesn't measure success the same way as the world. His attention isn't on money made or people saved, the master focuses on faithfulness. When it comes to our talents, gifts, resources, time and treasure we don't have to compare our gain to anyone else, but we must be faithful with what we've been entrusted! This may involve taking a risk, stepping out of our comfort zone and walking in holy confidence, but always remember we can trust the One who's entrusted us!

Finally, we read a different response in verses 24-30. What's different about servant number 3? What kept him from investing his talent? How did the master respond?

I find it interesting that servant number 3 is the one trying to explain himself. He claims to know what kind of master he is serving, but truly he doesn't know him. Fear has left him paralyzed and I have to say sometimes it does the same to me. What fear causes you to bury your talent instead of invest it? The master wasn't upset that he'd wasted the talent, but he'd neglected it. Clearly we sin when we do the wrong thing, but we also upset our Lord when we don't do the right thing.

If fear is a struggle for you, I encourage you to read Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 for a closer look.

As we wrap this little lesson up I have a few more questions -
What do we learn about God and Jesus?

What talent are you investing? How? Are you burying any? What? Why?

Friend, God is God. He is creator, master, Lord. To Him and Him alone will we one day answer. He's created us for a purpose. He has good works for each of us to do and better yet He's equipped us accordingly. We don't want to waste His resources or bury His talents. We don't need to hoard them either, because as 2 Corinthians 9:8 says, "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

One day God will reward the faithful and punish the unfaithful. Those who know and trust Him will receive His praise! So today, let's get busy for God!

If you want to dig a bit deeper, I encourage you to look at the following passages and think about the questions I pose. May the Holy Spirit help you discern the living and active Word of God as you search the scriptures and seek the Lord.

Mark 12:41-44 - Again, what's the Lord's focus? Why is comparison so dangerous?

Matthew 5:13-16 - How do I hide the light? What talents can I use to shine light?

Luke 19:11-27 - Will I faithfully use what God has entrusted?

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 - Do I give in faith? When I invest talents is my focus on earthly wealth or spiritual rewards?

Luke 12:35-48 - What does being ready for Jesus return look like?

1 Corinthians 15:58 - How can I use God's resources to do His work?

Friend, if you are still reading please hear this - "Thank you!" I know time is limited, so I greatly appreciate you spending some with me. If you work through this study, I'd love to hear your take-aways. It's always a joy to see what God is saying to you and blessing to learn from your insights! Let's pray...

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being a master we can know and trust. May we grow closer each and every day. Give us eyes to see the talents you've entrusted to us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so we can know how to use our talents wisely. May we invest them for your glory and kingdom growth. And Father, with humble hearts we ask you to show us if we are burying talents. Thank you for the grace you offer and promises you provide. Help us be faithful. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

An Emergency

 “Mom, hurry!! It’s a mergency!!” The words I heard as I opened the door and was greeted by my then 5 year old son.

After being told to avoid the mud, J.D. and his 3 year old sister, Joy, had left the house to visit their dad in the shop. Not much time passed and J.D. returned in a bit of panic. He was missing a boot and covered in mud when he proceeded to tell me, “Come quick! Joy’s stuck in the mud!!”

We rounded the side of the house and found our stationary princess. It truly was an "emergency" which was handled rather quickly. Nothing that dad’s strong arms and the water house couldn’t take care of.

Much has happened in the 10 years that have passed, but we continue to laugh at the story and smile at the pictures. Today though I thought of this story for a different reason…

God’s been showing me there are some things in my heart and on my mind that He needs to deal with. Realizing this is good and important, but it’s not enough. I need to do something about it; I must join God in the process. I need to surrender and search the Scriptures. I must trust and obey. And friend, these things take time and effort; transformation doesn’t happen overnight.

I started realizing some of this almost 10 days ago, but have yet to really commit to digging in and doing the work. It’s not a life and death situation and it won’t make or break a relationship, but yet it’s important, which got me thinking.

My children’s "emergency" from years ago had to be dealt with, my friend battling cancer needs medical attention and my daughter’s friend with a broken arm made a quick trip to the hospital. When it comes to our physical and health needs, we are pretty quick to seek help. We follow that up by obeying the Dr.’s orders, but what happens when it’s a spiritual emergency or a condition of our spiritual heart?

Like me, do you ever find yourself aware of something that needs to change, a sin that needs to stop or lies that need to be replaced with Truth? If we are walking with the Lord and He's doing His sanctifying work, it will happen. Clearly God will do His part, but friend, will you and I do our's?

Thankfully, not every spiritual heart check leads to an emergency, but I believe I need to do a better job responding so it doesn't do just that. As a wife and mom, I constantly have needs to meet and regardless of your roles or titles life has demands for you too. As women we care for others, but there comes a time we must remember we need to take care of ourselves as well.

In life's emergencies, we're quick to push pause and set things aside, what if we did the same for spiritual ones? When we are sick and our bodies demand rest, we eventually take time off. Shouldn't we do the same when our hearts are broken and our souls need rest?

Friend, our lives all look different, our spiritual health is unique and our heart conditions vary, but our God is the same. He wants us healthy. His Son made a way for us to be free and He promises us rest. Take some time today to let the One who created your heart, examine it. Then make yourself available and allow Him the time to heal it. Let the One who knows your thoughts, renew your mind. Ask Him to replace the lies you believe with the Truth of His Word.

In life, emergencies are no fun, in a spiritual sense they aren't either. Today I pray we make the choice my children didn't years ago...let's obey our heavenly Father and listen to His direction.

1 Corinthians 619-20 says, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." These words alone should encourage us to take care of our body, mind and heart. 

"Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world." (1 Peter 5:7-9) Avoiding spiritual emergencies isn't easy when Satan is constantly on the attack, but through prayer and reading the Word it is possible. 

Friend, if we want to care for others, we must care for ourselves. We can do just that by living out the command in Romans 12:1-2 - "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." 

There really aren't many "emergencies" like the one my children faced in the pictures above; more often than not we recall them with tears instead of laughs. You and I can work to avoid a spiritual emergency if we take the time to go to God and let Him take care of us. Will you do that today?

Fighting Like A Fish

I'm not much of a fisherman, but the other day I found myself thinking about reeling in a big catch. I can honestly say I've never done this myself, but I've heard the stories my husband and children share and even witnessed a few as well.

A few years back my daughter caught a big catfish on the Mississippi. Depending on who tells the story it took anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour to real him in. He was a fighter and put all the fisherman to the test. Everyone in the boat took a turn at reeling him in and eventually their efforts were rewarded.

Personally, I don't understand all the strategy and technique. I get a bite and am barely able to set the hook. On the rare occasion that I succeed I'm often too quick to try and reel in my catch. I've definitely lost more fish than I've caught, but you didn't come here to read about that.

Friend, regardless of your experience with a pole, I think we can learn a bit from a fish.

First of all, as believers in Christ, Matthew 4:19 says you and I are called to be fishers of men. In the same way my husband and children try to catch a bass or walleye, we are to reel others in for Jesus. May we remember to be careful as we do our job...we must be patient in the process and not reel too fast.

But the lesson that may be more important is: we don't want to fight like a fish. If we've accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, we've been chosen, God has caught us, we are His. He is with me now and the Holy Spirit lives within me, but in a way He won't reel me in til I meet Him in heaven. The same is true for you.

God has me on His line, but there is a battle within. Galatians 5:17 tells us, "For the the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for those are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."

I read God's Word and call out to Him in prayer. He feeds me with His Truth and guides me with His Spirit. I try to live out Galatians 2:20 and crucify myself with Christ, but sometimes the flesh wins. God tries pulling me closer and the sin in me pulls me away. I'm like the fish pulling out the line, thankfully I have a good, loving Father full of wisdom and patience reeling me in.

Friend, I don't know what struggle you are walking through, but I know the battle rages on. Whether it's a new sin today, an idol from the past or pain that's been buried deep may we each heed these words from Isaiah 44:21-22 - "Remember these things, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are my servant; I formed you; you are my servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me. I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like a mist; return to me for I have redeemed you."

If there is something that has us feeling distant from God, drifting from our Creator or fighting our Father may we remember these key truths -

God's line can't break and He won't throw us back. No matter how Satan tries to shame us, what guilt fills our heart or regret our minds, we must cling to Romans 8:38-39. It says, "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

We have the power to choose; we don't have to be a fighting fish. I'm sure a fish's natural tendency is to resist the pull of a line and as fleshly human beings we too have inborn tendencies. We have the desire for comfort, selfishness and pride. Sins of all kind come quite natural. We have habits and ways of thinking that are hard to change, but we have power within us to do the impossible. The next time we're tempted to fight like a fish may we consider the choice we're presented in Romans 8:5 - "Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit." 

Heavenly Father, I'm so thankful you've chosen me. As you reel me in and pull me close may I remember that is good. Though temptations catch my eye and outside things pull at my heart may I give up the fight. Help me die to self so that I can live for you. May I make the choice to set my eyes on you and my mind too. Father God, with you all things are possible and may I never forget that nothing can separate me from you. I praise you for your mighty power and amazing grace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

It's Friday

Friday...a day many look forward to and some even thank God for. It marked game night in high school and the end of a work/school week all through the years, but last night I found myself thinking about it differently.

I went to bed with a not so happy thought...death is such a part of life. Three of our friends have lost loved ones this week. We've been to visitations and answered some tough questions from our little people. Another friend battling cancer is scheduled for surgery today and others are wrestling with illnesses and trials of their own.

As the minutes ticked by my thoughts kept running, and friend they were going in the wrong direction. I mean it's OK, and good, to have compassion and empathy for those walking through hard times, but we can't let ourselves become overwhelmed and discouraged. Easier said than done, I know.

Scripture tells us to weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15), but we are also commanded to encourage one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." While in the same book chapter 4 verse 18 we read, "Therefore encourage one another with these words."

It's important to consider the task in this verse - encourage, but even more vital to realize the source. What words are we suppose to use? Clearly it's the ones that precede verse 18. They say,

"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."

Prior to drifting to sleep bits and pieces of this passage came to mind and helped redirect my thinking. I was reminded of the hope of heaven and the peace of Christ. I also thought of Friday coming, which took me back to the previous week. We were recognizing Good Friday...a day that truly had no good for Jesus as He was beaten and bruised. And really in the moment it could not have felt good for His mother and disciples.

They were watching their loved one, friend and teacher suffer; I'm guessing their heart hurt just like mine. Tears fell, thoughts raced and feelings overwhelmed. It was a hard day, a discouraging one, one in the moment they probably weren't thanking God for.

Like you and me, they had words to hold onto. Words Jesus had spoke, but they didn't fully understand. Promises they had heard, but didn't even realize they needed. Truths that were taught, but now became necessary.

Friend, if you're experiencing your own "Friday" I pray these words encourage you. I pray you're reminded of the hope we can hold onto and the foundation of Truth we stand on. "Fridays" can be hard, but we must remember even the hardest of days can be good when we see them in light of eternity.

Last night my friend, Mary, said to me, "He (her husband) is not in a better place. He's in the best place and we will see him again."

On that Friday years ago, Jesus' hard walk led Him to His heavenly home and made a way for us as well; may we remember our difficult steps are leading us there too!

The Patience of Noah

First of all a BIG welcome to those of you joining me from the Encouragement Cafe! It was a pleasure to share my devo there today and I'm blessed you clicked over for a visit! Please know I treasure your time and appreciate your comments! So with that my post for today -

Chances are you read the title of this and thought I may have made a mistake. The phrase we tend to hear is - "The Patience of Job." I know, I've heard that a time or two, but I've never once heard or said or even thought about the patience of Noah.

That changed on our family trip to the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter a couple of weeks back. The trip was wonderful and still has me thinking. Like any museum there is much to see and read, there's also videos to watch and people to talk to. As all this information came together in my mind (and really it wasn't anything new...I've read the account of Noah and even studied his faith a bit), a new thought entered - Noah had patience.

Scripture doesn't say exactly, but through study and cross-reference many say that it took 50-75 years to build the ark. (See Genesis 5:33, 6:3,14, 7:1,6 for more details or visit Answers in Genesis) Think about that for a minute. That's nearly a lifetime in our world today and even back then it was close to 10% of their living years.

Noah clearly acted in faith and walked in obedience, but he also endured and persevered. Most likely he was questioned by those around him...he was building an ark for a flood when they had never even experienced a drop of rain. This step out of his comfort zone was not rewarded immediately. He continued to work and believe day after day after day. Even after his work was done more trust was needed.

I was talking with a friend after our trip and in the midst of our conversation God convicted me as I reflected on the life of Noah. I have put my faith to work, attempted to walk in obedience and have been blessed by God in the process, but lately I've found myself a bit distracted and discouraged. I know I've been busy and trying to discern where and how I can cut back, but I also realized maybe there was more happening than I thought.

Getting swept away by the busyness of life happens and it affects us more than we realize. Facing decisions and change does the same, but lacking patience impacts me as well. How about you? Can you say the same?

I'm not just talking with your husband, children or in traffic. But patience with God when it comes to your obedience and steps of faith. We need patience for more than just our temper. We need patience as we wait on God for direction, as we long for Him to transform us, look for Him to use and as we speak the Truth.

This realization has led me to look at my parenting, teaching and ministry a bit differently. We live in such an instant gratification world that I believe this mentality affects us in ways we are unaware of.

Like Noah, have you heard from God, stepped out in faith and exercised obedience? Like me, have you become frustrated when you don't see the results you've expected or hope for?

Friend, if you said, "Yes" to those questions, I pray you'll read on and say the same to another.

Time means one thing to us and something entirely different to God. Scripture says, "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a day." (2 Peter 3:8) Instead of expecting something to happen today, tomorrow or next year, we'd be better off waiting patiently for God's perfect timing.

I have no idea how Noah felt or what thoughts he wrestled with as he built the ark, but I know sometimes my focus is on the end result more than the process it takes to get there. As a coach, I've always appreciated the quote - "It's about the journey, not the destination." Thinking about Noah has brought that phrase to mind; I'm beginning to think it's more applicable to a life of faith than a basketball season. Perhaps you and I wouldn't become so discouraged if we focused more on what God was doing in us than what He's doing through us.

My final thought for today may initially sound pretty simple, but I pray it's also powerful. So here it is - Patience is productive. After walking through a replica of the Ark, I have a much better understanding of and appreciation for all Noah did. I mean have you ever stopped to think - Where did they get their drinking water? How did they handle animal waste? Ventilation? And on and on? (If you visit, there are displays with information about all of this.) Had Noah rushed the process, chances are he would have forgotten something. His patience was necessary and led to what God wanted. I have to believe the same could be said for the patience we exercise today my friend!

So back to my last question - Are you willing to pray for patience? I know people say that's a dangerous prayer, but this look at Noah leaves me thinking it's also a powerful one. God will give us opportunities to exercise patience, but then He will eventually use and bless that patience!

May we remember -

God is patient. 

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

Jesus was patient.

"He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth." (Isaiah 53:7)

Patience is a fruit of the Spirit

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23)

Patience brings blessing.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest

 if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)

Patience leads to promises.

"We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience

 inherit what has been promised." (Hebrews 6:1)

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, 

you will receive what he has promised. (Hebrews 10: 36)

Friend, I know it's hard to be patient, but it is possible. I'm trying to remember that more and more. I hope you will too! I leave you with Colossians 1:9-14, may it be a prayer for all of us! And may we like Noah walk by faith and with patience!

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."