Last Devotion On Patience (At Least For Now)

By Johnny Angel

We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts. He gave us his love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given us. (Romans 5:3-5, NCV)
The first few weeks of school have been a time of troubles. These troubles have produced patience which has produced hope. I've learned the past few weeks how God is BIGGER than we give him credit for being. I haven't been writing much lately because I've been trying to sort some things out and allow God to teach me a few things.

I've looked back over the past few years--last year especially. I kept waiting for God to open up all these BIG doors and give me certain ministries to do. Now that I've found a church to do youth ministry in, I'm realizing how God has been able to use the past few years as times for me to make observations and pick up ideas. He needed to use me as an assistant before He could move me on up to being the director.

Along the way, I ran into various conflicts. I learned that I couldn't hang out with the friends I wanted to because they were being a bad influence on me though they are Christians. I had to learn that not all people tell the truth or follow through with what they have committed to do. And I had to learn not to try to do too much (though I still forget this lesson occasionally and have to learn it again).

Though things weren't going according to my plans, my relationship with God was growing stronger. When the bad times came, I had to draw closer to Him and trust Him more. He was able to comfort me and strengthen me.

From this, I've learned not to tell God what His plans are for me. Instead I need to chill out until He is ready to show me what He wants. I've learned that having to wait for things makes them better once they happen. And waiting for things may mean that we will be better equipped to do those things when the right time comes.

N Prayer,
Johnny <*}}}><