Patience Part Five
By Johnny Angel
We can take another look at David for an example of patience. God
chose him to be the king when he was still a young boy. He had to
wait until he was an adult and King Saul had died before he would be
the king.
We can learn from this that God may show us something that He wants
to do with our lives. But we may have to wait until God is ready for us
to do that task. In the meantime, however, we can do as David did
and remain responsible for things we have to do. For example, David
continued to be a shephered though shephereds were looked down on
in those days. He continued to watch his flocks. Perhaps God was
able to use this as training for David to "shepherd" the nation of Israel
as its king.
Another lesson we can learn from this time in David's life is that he
looked for ways to serve God anyway. For example, it was during this
time that David battled the giant Goliath. Sometimes God wants to see
that we are content with little things and "small responsibilities" so that
He can trust us with "big responsibilities". (I put these words in quotes
because when we do what we're supposed to, whether it's "big" or
"small", it's important to God.)
Mordecai, a Jew found in the book of Esther, served God without
being noticed. He had the right attitude towards his service for his
community and for his God. He served humbly not caring whether or
not he was noticed. In the end, the king held a big banquet for him.
We may not always get a big reward during this lifetime. And our
rewards may not involve other people. But whatever you do, whether
in word or deed, do it all for the glory of God! (Colossians 3:17)
Joseph in the book of Genesis and Daniel are also examples of this
longsuffering kind of patience in which we do what we have to without
worrying about being noticed. Joseph was sold into slavery and even
cast into prison. But he kept his faith in God strong, and he eventually
became second only to pharaoh in his authority over Egypt. Daniel
spent many years going to school. (All students should be able to
relate to this one!) He and his three friends read all sorts of books,
even ones about different philosophies and beliefs. But God was able
to use all four of these men to His glory. They all obtained high
positions in the kingdom and would not give in when it was unpopular,
or even deadly, to serve God.
Imagine the day Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were cast into
the fiery furnace or the night that Daniel was thrown in the den of lions.
I'm sure that they all wanted God to hear their prayers and answer
them right then. But Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego had to be
thrown into the furnace so the king and his men would see God's
power. And the entire night in the lion's den probably felt like more than
just one night to Daniel. But God showed His power in all these
situations and was able to act and work because His servants were
being patient.
N Prayer,
Johnny <*}}}><