A work of art

“May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.”

2 Thessalonians 3:5

“Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” Hebrews 10:36

Patience - the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset

Endurance - the power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way: the capacity of something to last or to withstand wear and tear.

My Abba,

I know “patient endurance” is not something with which I was born. Those would not be the first words that would come to mind if I were asked to describe myself.

But that is just another one of my weaknesses you can overwhelm with your strength. When I call on you, you give me the “capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble and suffering” without throwing myself overboard.

I can hardly practice patience in my own strength as I wait for breakfast. My appetite is playing “give it to me now” with my mind as I write these words. Our instant-everything culture encourages big appetites and the expectation of immediate satisfaction. Instant gratification has become part of our D.N.A.

I know I have fallen into that mentality. I am sorry for the ways I have disappeared into the voracious abyss of wanting what I want, in the way I want it, when I want it.

Please fill me with your patient endurance. Grow me up in my dependence on you for your timing. I want to run the race you have set before me at your pace. Please give me the power to lay down my insistent stopwatch. I know you are never late in fulfilling your promises.

I love you,

Mollie

My child,

I want to build your confident trust in me. No matter what happens, I will work in, and through you, to accomplish my plans and purposes. Participating in what glorifies me will be your greatest reward. Trust me. I know what truly enlivens your heart.

I am glad you desire the patient endurance to wait expectantly on my plans and timing. Later on, please turn to me, when your appetites scream, “Get it my way - now!” 

I will be your rescue from that greedy restlessness that wants you to snatch at the quickest, easiest remedy for life’s hunger pangs. You won’t find satisfaction in the express lane.

I am creating a masterpiece as I sculpt your life. Making you more like me is not some 30-minute, popsicle-stick project. A work of art takes time. Look around you and notice my skill and creativity. I am quite accomplished.

I am the One who bejeweled the velvet black cape of night. I am the One who carved vast sea cliffs to revel in the breakers and kiss the clouds. I am the One who knitted together the matchless intricacies of every living creature from the massive, sleek blue whale to the tiny iridescent hummingbird.

You can’t imagine what I can create in you. Patient endurance is what you need now. My work is always worth the wait.

I love you,

Abba

photo: massonforstock

NLT