Daily Reading: James 5
Scripture Focus: Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. (James 5.7)
Devotional Thought: Whump... whump... whump. "Oh, no! A flat tire!" I was enjoying a warm spring day, driving my little red convertible through some back country roads. I was miles from the nearest town and four hours from home. When I pulled over, I discovered that the spare was flat, too! It was getting late in the afternoon. Now what?
Then I remembered that I had roadside coverage with my insurance company. I called the 800 number, and they said they would locate somebody and send help. I hung up relieved, but soon the doubts came. Would they find help? Could they find me? I waited and waited. At one point a Good Samaritan stopped and offered to take me into town - wherever that was! I declined, "No thank you. Help is on the way!" That was hard to do.
After just a little more waiting, the flashing lights of a tow truck came around the bend. He pumped up my spare, put it on for me, waited to make sure it held pressure, and then we were both on our way. No charge! Thank you, State Farm!
If I had gone with the Good Samaritan, I would have missed him. My journey would have been delayed, and I would have had to pay for it myself. Patience was rewarded.
Have you ever wanted God to show up right now? It's hard to wait for him when you are in need. There are times when we feel God has lost track of where we are and can't find us. Those are the times when we are tempted to jump at any solution. But, if we will be patient, we will discover that "the coming of the Lord" is near, right around the bend.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you never lose track of where we are. Even though I may feel that you are far away, you are just around the bend. Help me to wait patiently for you!
Psalm of the Day: 9 We have thought on your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple. 10 As your name, O God, so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with righteousness. 11 Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments! 12 Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, 13 consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation 14 that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever. (Psalms 48:9-14)
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