Impatience is part of our American culture. We grow irritable when forced to wait at the checkout lane, for a traffic signal, or the dentist office. When we’re children, we can’t wait to be teenagers. In our teens we want to be grown ups. As youth we can’t wait to finish college or get a job. In middle age we can’t wait to retire. Although we admire patience, we’re more likely to pray, “God give me patience and, and do it right now!” Prayer is not only a time for petition, for praise and repentance. Prayer is also a time for patience, a willingness to wait on God, to realize His timetable is not always the same as ours. As we pray, may we allow time to listen and wait.

Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait I say on the LORD. Psalm 27:14

Legendary Yankee catcher Yogi Berra once said “If you come to a fork in the road, take it” Psalm 1 describes two types of people and the separate kinds of “forks they take. The righteous rely on the guidance of God. They turn their backs on evil and set their hearts and minds on Gods ways. Those who follow God fulfill the purpose of which they were created. In contrast, the wicked have no purpose. They are blown to and fro by the whims of the world. They make fun of Gods ways and those who follow them. As a result they bear no fruit. The righteous and the ungodly go their separate ways. Notice only two paths exist. All are on one path or the other. For those who reject God, the paths lead to destruction. But for those who say yes to God, the path is filled with joy and fruitfulness.

For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly will perish. Psalm 1:6

We all have times when we are feeling burdened, it seems like we are just overwhelmed. Life’s problems are just too much to bear. So many will turn to different things to try to take away this overwhelming feeling of despair, drugs alcohol, and many other things. There is of course another and far better way. We can trust in Jesus He alone can provide peace, comfort and satisfaction. Jesus will take our burdens and give us rest what ever the problems may be. As an old hymn teaches: Just tell it to Jesus He is a friend that’s well known.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

While the Apostle Paul, was in prison and nearing death, and was passing the baton to young Timothy. Paul wanted to encourage Timothy to stand for the faith in the midst of turmoil created by false doctrine, Paul focused on the immovable character of Gods solid foundation. Paul loved to use the idea of building to represent the church. In 2 Timothy 2:19 Paul pointed to the foundation of the building to assure Timothy of the churches ultimate triumph. God has put His seal on the church by a double inscription.. The first is the reminder that He knows those who are His. The second assures us those who name His name will be faithful to His covenant. Since we are sealed by God, we must depart from any sin that deters us from following Him.

2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

We need to remember when we ask God for something that it needs to be something that we truly need. And I surely believe what He says in 1 John 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart,and knoweth all things.-21 Beloved if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God -22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. If we truly are christians and live by his commandments He will surely answer our needful prayers. 1-John 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus the Christ is born of God : and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of Him. May-be that we believe God can , but do we believe He will? Something to think about.

Have you ever noticed you can easily enter into abstract, philosophical discussions about God, but when you bring Jesus into the conversation things quickly get very personal? Often the ones we are seeking to witness will point to the many faults of His followers. We can easily find ourselves engaged in a conversation about hypocrisy in the church. Instead, we should follow the example of Simon Peter. Peter the big fisherman responded to Jesus’ question “Whom say ye that I am?” by calling Him the Christ. Through the Holy Spirit’s work in his life, Peter understood that Jesus was the prophesied Messiah foretold by the Old Testament prophecies. Jesus is God up close and personal. As we witness we should always point to Christ in whom there is no fault. Our faith must always be focused and centered on Jesus Christ, not other believers. It is only through Christ that we receive salvation and grow in grace. Let us seek to be more like Him in every way every day.

And Simon Peter answered and said, thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. Matthew 16:16

For me to live is Christ, for me to die is gain. Philippians 1:21…..Lost people don’t think about Jesus very often. But if they watch a Christian go through a trial, and respond with joy, Jesus begins to look attractive. As he wrote his letter to the Philippians , Paul was chained in prison, yet he recognized that his trials magnified the Lord. His concern was not on himself but that Christ was being exalted. When we are struggling through difficult situations, we need to stop for a minute and think about the people who are watching us. We have a great opportunity to demonstrate to them what faith really means. Some of us might be facing trials right now that could be used to magnify God. Are we willing to be used to glorify God?