Our Scripture reading today is 2 Timothy 2:24-26.
Verse 24, "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,"
The context of 2 Timothy 2 is the Apostle Paul giving the expectations and qualifications that Timothy and every pastor should adhere to. While this is the primary application, there are most definitely other applications that can be made to all of our lives. Verse 24 of our text is addressed to servants of the LORD. Yes, this is the pastor, but it can also be every born again believer. Are we not all to be serving the LORD?
I am meditating on the last word of verse 24, "patient". This is not one of my stronger qualities, therefore, I need to seek the help of God's Spirit in order to improve. The work of the LORD is people. The work of the LORD requires patience. I am continually learning that God does not work by my event calender. He does not advance at a pace that works for me. The more I trust the LORD, the more patient I will become. When I am impatient, I am saying I don't trust God's time table. God IS working in the life that individual you are praying for. Keep praying! May God help us to patiently and boldly love people to Jesus Christ.