“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4)
Monday and Tuesday I engaged in a lot of prep work, more than I thought would be necessary, before contractors came in to put down flooring in the master bedroom Wednesday and paint the walls Thursday. The work was to begin early Wednesday or let’s say. “It was supposed to begin early.” So, I wanted everything to be ready in advance of the workers’ arrivals. The work entailed cleaning out closets, moving furniture, taking down wall hangings, removing nails. dusting, emptying two chests of drawers, sweeping the floor, moving light items, and even doing all the laundry.
When I was done, my living room looked like an overcrowded thrift shop, my office area looked like a storage area, my wife’s office was filled with throws, pillows, blankets, and more! Electronic stuff in the bedroom was moved to the kitchen, some décor was given a new place to hang out, and as for the writing of this meditation, I had to relocate my work area to the dining room. Sitting on a hard, wooden stool most of the day working, was a job in itself.
My sister used to say I was compulsive about the “everything having a place, and there was a place for everything” philosophy. While I still deny it, I admit that I do have a problem with patience at times, okay, most of the time. I try to remind myself to work on it all the time. There are signs in the minister’s office, signs on wall hangings in the family room, I pray for patience each day, and I try to suppress impatience when it knocks on my door. I am familiar with the scripture above, and I read it every now and then because I know the word of God is true as it applies to all areas of our lives.
However, sometimes we need help. Sometimes we need to be reminded we have some more development to do. And being faithful as He is, the Lord has a way of reminding us that His word is true, all of it! He reminds us in different ways. But the Lord (One of my members really loves those three words, and so do I!); but the Lord assessed my actions and thought and deemed it necessary to keep developing my ability to be patient the last couple of days. I’m sure that is what He is doing via this every day, home improvement project. While He is helping me endure and develop the patience I asked for, knowing that request for patience results in real tests and trials, I am remaining faithful to the ministry, and the work that had to be done, even up to the time of writing this issue of Mark Writes.
Now if the Lord has deemed to help you in the area of patience, hang in there, because the outcome will be positive. Have a great Friday! Remember, regarding God’s word, whatever it says, “The word of God is true.” His word is right, and when He brings it you’re your attention, it is specifically right for you. Be blessed!
“For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in faithfulness. “ (Psalm 33:4 NASB)
Mark L. King