Memorise: But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:4
Read: John 11:18-26
Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:
19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Bible in one year: Jeremiah 17-20, Luke 10:17-37
AS REVEALED BY PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE IN TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL
1. Impatience is the younger sister of doubt because when someone is impatient, the fellow may not be able to operate under the divine time-table. Impatience can cause a person to doubt the integrity of the Ever Faithful God. The devil uses impatience as a tool to sow doubt in the minds of believers, so much so that some even begin to doubt the infallible word of God. for this reason, James 1:4 says:
“But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing”
2. The blessings attached to being patient are many. For example, in our memory verse, the Holy Spirit reveals that a patient fellow will lack nothing good. This may sound foolish to the carnal mind, but iti is the truth of God’s word. The carnal mind is tuned to believe that by being impatient, more can be achieved and more can be amassed, but this is a lie of the devil.
3. In today’s Bible reading, impatience almost destroyed the faith of Mary and Martha. As a matter of fact, they indirectly indicated Jesus of their brother’s death because He came to them at a time they considered to be too late, after He had received their message notifying Him of Lazarus sickness. John 11:21 says:
“Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.”
4. What an indictment! By this comment, they doubted the extent to which Jesus actually loved their family. This probably accounts for why Jesus wept in John 11:35, after Mary repeated the same accusation (John 11:32). It is dangerous to be a “microwave Christian” who always expects things to happen when you feel they must happen. A microwave Christian is like an infant who reacts to and cries for everything that causes discomfort.
5. The Holy Spirit describes the state of such Christians in 1 Corinthians 3:13. Some brethren feel offended and therefore decide to leave a church when the promotion they believe they are due for is not forthcoming from the church authorities. Some others feel victimized when they are transferred from their station of comfort, even resorting to blackmail in some cases. Some even give God an ultimatum on when a miracle must “drop”, or else they won’t serve Him anymore. All these examples may sound unbelievable, but they are true life experiences. Beloved, it is time to grow up from the stage of infancy. God expects you to become not just a meat eater but a bone cracker. May the Lord cause you to grow in Jesus’ Name.
SHORT REFLECTION BY THE LIGHT POINTERS
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One of the weapons of the devil to rob many believers of their potential divine blessing is impatience and it must be dealt with. Many have lost opportunities and blessings as a result of that small voice of the devil that their expectations is getting too longer and therefore derailed from the perfect will of God. Many forgot that God is not a magician, patience is required to get full benefits of God’s provision.May God honour and bless Pastor E.A Adeboye for this wonderful devotional.
Prayer Point: Father, please help me to grow in patience and keep me standing for You till the very end in Jesus’ Name.
Hymn
1. I need Thee every hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.
Chorus:
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior!
I come to Thee.
2. I need Thee every hour
Stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power
When Thou art nigh.
3. I need Thee every hour
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.
4. I need Thee every hour
Teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises
In me fulfill.
5. I need thee every hour
Most Holy one;
Oh, make me Thine indeed,
Thou blessed Son.
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