Tag Archives: patience

Same Situation, Different State of Mind

Still I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Ps 27:13 (BSB)

Sometimes God resolves our problems immediately. Other times God seems silent. When problems arise, we may be confident in God’s help and kneel before Him with a hopeful heart. But when hours, days, and years go by, and there is still no improvement to our situation, we may feel discouraged, afraid, or even angry. These are natural responses to uncertainty and distress, but if we focus on these negative feelings, we may eventually lose hope and doubt God.

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Deborah Encourages Barak

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During the period of the judges, there was a leader named Deborah. She would sit by a place called the Palm Tree of Deborah, where the Israelites would come to her to have their disputes settled. At this time, the Isrealites had been oppressed by Jabin, the King of Canaan for twenty years. The commander of Jabin’s army was called Sisera. One day, Deborah called and sent for a person named Barak, who lived in far away Kedesh in Naphtali.

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He Suffered for Us

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For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps. (1Pet 2:21)

Jesus Christ suffered for us. He endured much pain and sorrow while doing good for us. Jesus suffered physically throughout His trails, torture, and crucifixion. He suffered emotionally as He was rejected by many, especially when all the disciples deserted Him and fled when Jesus was arrested. He suffered spiritually as He cried out on the cross, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mt 27:46) Jesus was crucified to bear our sins. The suffering of Jesus Christ was God’s plan for the salvation of the world.

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Get up from the Place You Have Fallen

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After a dramatic episode involving God plaguing Pharaoh’s house on account of Abram’s wife, Sarai, Abram and Sarai were basically kicked out of the land of Egypt.

Prior to this taking place, God had called Abram from his own country and promised to give him descendants who would inherit the land of Canaan. Once there, Abram pitched his tent between Bethel and Ai, built an altar to the Lord, and called on His name (Gen 12:8). But when a severe famine hit the land, in a moment of weakness, Abram left God’s promises behind and went down to Egypt. If God had not intervened by sending plagues upon Pharaoh’s house, Abram would have lost his wife Sarai and the hope of having descendants through her—for he had lied about Sarai being his sister.

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God’s Church (II): Discerning Patience and Grace

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I have been through the phase of seeing other people’s flaws and even recalling what people have said and done to me. Whether those things were intentional or accidental, I do not know. But one thing that is eye-opening to notice is how God’s grace abides with people despite their flaws. When I talk about flaws, I am not talking about those who speak against the truth or preach a different gospel than that in the Scriptures; such are cursed according to the word of God (Gal 1:6-9).

But for those who have had an oversight, who did not realize what they did wrong, God’s mercy extends to them when they realize and repent (cf. Lev 4:22-31). Are we patient enough to be patient with others? Continue reading →