Patience!

Patience!

Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,

Romans 15:5 AMPC

As I read the verses before today's extract, there are a few questions that ring through my mind. One is: what have I been called into? From today's extract, it is apparent that nowhere does God promise that things will always be rosy or convenient. If God wanted to, He would have said so: promising me only comfort, convenience and commercial gain. Yes, it is his will that I have all of the above, but His call is far more complex than just these.

The next question is this: Which God have you met or been introduced to? Are you sure that the God you follow is the same one spoken about here? He is referred to as the God who has the power of patient endurance and who supplies encouragement, and these show who God is and what He offers. Many come to God expecting an easy ride or magic without effort; that is not who God is. He can do miracles, giving you something you didn't really deserve, but He will demand a life of total devotion and commitment from you if His work in you must be perfect. 

And of course, another question is: What is then expected of me? Since God has been known to be faithful to His own promises, I have to also play my part. My part is living in harmony and in sympathy with other people. If I have the understanding of who I am and serve, obedience is easy. If I struggle with God's commands, maybe I am yet to fullly submit to the One who has the power to enable me live right. 

Peace is easy; harmony isn't difficult; empathy isn't hard; only if I am under the control and command of the One who is able to ordain and sustain whatever it is He has commissioned and commanded. His time of favour is here.