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Patience Through the Process

    There are many verses that speak of the Lord's great patience with us and our double-minded nature. He let's us run away and come back just like the prodigal son. We make our mistakes only to realize how dumb they were and repentantly come back to our Lord again. That is just a part of our human nature. But how are we responding to others who are doing the same in our community?

    It is so easy to see when we are outside a situation. That's why when others are going the wrong direction, the solution seems obvious to us! Unfortunately, the majority of the time people don't want your help to see the way out.  I urge you, brothers and sisters, when someone is running from the Lord-- let them. Just like the Father in the Parable of the Lost Son, Jesus doesn't run after us. Nor should we run after anyone else. It is so very tempting when we think we see the answers to their problems, but in the end it does no good. 

    Do not sacrifice your own faith and peace of mind to go after others who have decided to abandon ship. Sooner or later, they swim back and grab the lifeline. When they do, pull them back in and greet them with the love of Jesus. Until that time, remain steadfast in your own faith and be patient with them as the Lord deals with their heart. Our rescue missions end in failure without Him. Remember that true love is patient. Patiently wait on the Lord to bring those wanderers back to Himself. 

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (ESV)

1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant (ESV)

Isaiah 40:31 But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)

Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (ESV)

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