Patient Grace
Scripture Reading — 2 Corinthians 6:1-2
Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:2
I once had a chance to spend a few days in a monastery. My first meal with everyone there was the most memorable. After an opening prayer we were served a delicious soup followed by the main dish. I was slowly savoring every bit of my dinner.
But after a while I noticed that it was suspiciously quiet in the dining room. As I looked up, I discovered that everyone had finished eating. And now over thirty people were patiently waiting for me before they could proceed to an after- dinner prayer. I felt terribly embarrassed for slowing everyone down, and I finished my meal as quickly as I could. I hate to keep people waiting!
Now, have you or I ever kept God waiting? Maybe right now God is quietly waiting for you. Sometimes, even as we read the Bible and do devotions, our thoughts can be far away. Sometimes we get distracted and don’t really care much for the gospel, prayer, and obedient discipleship—or we engage in them halfheartedly.
Thankfully God’s grace and patience are much greater than those of human beings, but we should not aim to keep God waiting. If you are behind in your relationship with him, please note that there is a sense of urgency in our text: “Now is the day of salvation.” Today is the day to find peace with God or to recommit to serving him.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your patient grace! You alone can put peace in our hearts. May I be filled with your love and grace today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Sergei Sosedkin
Sergei Sosedkin is the Russian-language ministry leader for ReFrame Ministries. He is a native of Moscow, Russia. As he oversees the Russian-language ministry, Sosedkin works from our office in Grand Rapids and in various locations in Russia.
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