WATCHWORD:
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. 31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. Romans 8:28-33,38 NLT
Meditation:
Patience
[“Over time, another voice could be heard above the joyous chaos in the Heavenly Vast, Wise One, you may gather your Watchers and begin the Holy Instruction.” The announcement touched-off a renewed burst of excitement as the Angels-in-Training rushed to gather around the Wise One. Finally, their time of instruction had arrived. The laughter and the smiles of relief filled their faces for they knew that they were finally beginning those steps necessary to earn their wings, becoming angels, and, maybe, guardian angels.
“Little Watchers, welcome. Shall we begin? If you have done your preparation, what are the four duties for Angels-in-Training?” “We know, we know! Watch, Listen, Be Patient and Love.” “Very good, but what do those four duties, that you know so well, mean? Why are they important?” The Little Watchers looked at one another, there were shrugs, but all were silent. “Very well, we will start with Watch. Have you been observing the Mortal that entered Great one’s home? What did you see?” “She was so sad, and was crying tears of sadness.” ]. (Excerpt from Middle of Nowhere story by Stan Escott)
And so that story begins, but note that patience is one of the duties of Angels-in Training, which, if you think about it, would be us, and learning patience is so hard at times. I have a picture in an old family album of me, age 6 or so, sitting on the top step of our front porch in Steubenville, Ohio, my little bag lunch beside me, waiting to be picked up by our youth group for an excursion to the park. The picture of a child’s impatience.
Waiting is so hard and waiting for Jesus is especially hard as we consider our vulnerability and mortality. There are times when we feel like our faith is being tested, we seem to have no direction, no purpose, and we wait. At times like that it’s helpful to know that God is active for us. God through the Holy Spirit is sensitive to our sense of mortality and He helps us in our weakness, and prays for us and with us.
God the son, who died for us, is praying for us and loving us. Whatever our hardships, we sense the love of Jesus. We should be clear about this, we are in agreement with Paul…neither death nor life neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future nor any powers… can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.
Do you have patience? Is waiting hard and a little frustrating, maybe because it seems you have nothing to do. Then it may be time to remember that God is active and provides for you, the Holy Spirit prays for you, and the Son protects you. Until that blessed time, you can live your life here in this sphere for God, and serve the One who loves you. Amen.
A Word from Billy Graham:
The strength our conquering and our victory is drawn continually from Christ. The Bible does not teach that sin is completely eradicated from Christians in this life, but it does teach that sin shall no longer reign over you. the strength and power of sin have been broken. The Christian now has resources available to live above and beyond this world. The Bible teaches that whosoever is born of God does not practice sin. It is like the little girl who said that when the devil came knocking with a temptation, she just sent Jesus to the door.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day, for what it shall bring, opportunities, life, hope, strength. And for what it may take away. Teach me to trust you in the comings and goings of life, and to wait for the unfolding of Your will becomes more clear to us. We pray in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen
