“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” - Colossians 3:12 (NIV).
Road users in Uganda are likely to witness two constant happening. First, there is that driver who keeps in his queue, quietly moving along with sometimes a painfully slow moving traffic. He bids his time and after a while traffic clears and gets to his destination. Then, there is that ever impatient driver, who has no time to stick to a queue, but keeps crudely jumping others in front, sometimes ending up causing a third or fourth lane, which then blocks the rest of road users and brings all traffic to a standstill.
Now, there are cases where those who jump queues can be excused because of an emergency, just like hospital ambulances. However, there are those for whom this is a habit, and actually they despise those who stay in their lane, as hopelessly slow thinking. It is like others have nowhere to go or have urgent matters to attend to, just them alone! Some people call that being selfish, a vice.
Being patient is one of the virtues that characterize the new life in Christ. Hebrews 6:15 says, “And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.” Abraham waited patiently for God to lead him to the Promised Land. The Psalmist says, “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3). The Apostle James observes, “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:7-8).
There are rules that govern our civil conduct and when we observe them we are all at peace. Being considerate of others, is one of those expected of any road user. However, because of the impatience of some, the police has to be deployed to make sure everyone stays in his lane. The person of the world needs someone to caution him to be patient, but for a believer being patient is decidedly one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I rise and pray that you help me be patient in my affairs, as a sign of the working of the Holy Spirit in me, this I pray in Jesus’s name!
Related upcoming events
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29/04/2024 - 30/04/2024 All day“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27)
One of the most moving Christian song ever written is, “Its well with my soul!” To hear it sung in cathedrals, concerts or at funerals, always leaves many with goose bumps. It has uplifted many through the most difficult of moments, soothing their weary spirit.
It’s coming into being in many ways show how God so often uses difficult situations to bless so many. In 1871 Horatio Spafford, was one of the wealthiest lawyers, based in Chicago. He was also a devout Christian, along with his wife Ann, and their four daughters. But early in 1871 came the Great Fire of Chicago that destroyed Spafford’s sizable investment.
Devastated from the loss, Spafford, seeking to recover, two years later, decided to go for a holiday in Europe. But at the last minute he was detained by business, letting Ann and his four daughters to proceed, hoping to join them. No sooner had they left when the ship in which they were had an accident and sank within minutes. All the four children drowned, though Anna survived.
Spafford on receiving the news decided to go and pick up Ann. As he got to the spot where the ship had sunk, in his despair came the words that have brought respite to so many, through generations. “When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul... Let this blest assurance control That Christ (yes, He has) has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed His own blood for my soul. It is well...With my soul..
It is well, it is well with my soul.”It is said as Ann saw her daughters going down, she said, “God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand.” And, indeed, “It is well with my soul” was God’s gift to all of mankind through a tragedy.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of heaven, sometimes through tragedies, it is difficult to understand or appreciate the moment; but as the song goes, whatever the difficulty may be, “Its well with my soul” for you are with me, no matter! This I pray in Jesus’ name!
