Scripture for Today: Colossians 1:11 “being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.”

If ever patience could be captured in an image, this picture would qualify! I grew up with cats and I can’t imagine sitting on their backs or pulling on their ears! But this dog from a village in Uganda, patiently endures the uncomfortable attentions from this little child. More than just enduring it, these domestic dogs often will fiercely protect their little charges from strangers who enter the village.

Today’s verse talks about great endurance and patience and it is not something we can produce on our own. It is through the strength and power of the Lord that we can navigate hard times with a patient attitude. His “glorious might” makes it possible to weather that ongoing problem with confidence in His love. To live a life worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in every way (verse 10) is to live with confident trust. Exhibiting patience and endurance is most often the result of having that trust tested and seeing the Lord come through for us. (James 1:3)

For me, the biggest test of patience is waiting for the Lord to answer my prayers, my way. His timing is rarely my own. And I tend to treat my prayers as “unanswered” if I don’t receive the answer desired! How many times I have worried, full of anxiety while awaiting His response! But being impatient serves no purpose and certainly does not obligate Him to hurry! I know He is pleased when I wait for His answers and promises with a patient calm heart.

Lord, help me to patiently trust You more.