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 <*}}}><