“The Lord is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the Lord is a just God. Blessed are all who wait patiently for Him” (Isaiah 30:18).
Wait patiently . . . Funny I would get this verse. I'm a teacher! Here are some thoughts about patience, practice, and faith . . .
In the world of music, practice requires an enormous amount of patience. I constantly remind students to slow down, be careful, think, and listen to what they're doing. I talk about setting goals--having focus and purpose in practice.
Practice requires repetition, but it's only as good as what is being repeated. The phrase "Practice makes perfect" is only true if you practice something perfectly! Practice makes permanent, so you don't want to practice mistakes.
Practice requires that you schedule it on a regular basis. The "I'll get around to it" attitude doesn't work. I ask my students to fill out a weekly "Practice Schedule" each semester. Then they keep a record each week of what they practice, and how often.
In the world of faith, following God requires an enormous amount of patience.
Remember, this is the God of the Universe, who transcends the time of this world. Being careless or in a hurry is not characteristic of God. We must follow His example.
We must slow down. We must listen as we focus on God through prayer and repetition of Scripture reading. We must follow a regular schedule of practicing our faith and devotion. In return, God promises mercy, compassion, and blessings.
The first definition of patience in The American Heritage Dictionary reads: "The capacity of calm endurance." Christ, our Lord, practiced patience perfectly! And what better time is there for us to begin practicing patience than while the world waits again for Christ's birth to make everything new?
Carol Butler serves on the music committee, sings in the Sanctuary Choir, plays piano for first graders, and teaches our Special Education Sunday School class for adults at First Baptist Nashville. She and her husband, Harry, have two grown children, Amanda and Randy. Carol grew up at First Baptist, is a fourth-generation member, and currently brings her father, Joe Green. Carol teaches piano.
The audio version of today's devotional was recorded by Gary Beaty.
