We have all heard not to ask the Lord for patience, because the process to being equipped with this Spirit reflecting characteristic is seldom painless.  Most of us pray under our breath for things like humility, selflessness and long-suffering knowing that we should be demonstrating these traits in our Christian walk but that fleshy voice saying, “Wait a minute you might be taking this a bit too seriously”.  “He did not say that you will most certainly not bare the fruits of the spirit if you are not conformed to Christ”.  “You in fact are already made in His image and these are just trifles that are unnecessary now that you have Grace”.

Sound a bit familiar.  The enemy is always plying his wares against us even in the most subtle formation.  Remember we are called to vigilance and readiness.  Remaining willing to the Hand of the Master, to mold us into His likeness requires doing the tough work of confessing our sins, repenting and surrendering our lives to be shaped.   One of those “not so thrilling” occasions to learn some humility came my way today.  My first reaction was to get all huffy about losing this or that I had desired, but several minutes down the road, I realized that the Lord had rapidly answered my prayers.  You see I prayed for humility, very recently and if you scan back in this blog you would see that request.  Well should I be surprised that the Almighty God who loves me dearly brought me the opportunity for that education in short order.  Who says that prayers all take a long time, or counsels people that it is in “His timing”?  Well this time it was in His timing and boy that meant right away.  He must have really thought that I needed this.  But ouch it stings especially when it’s good for you.

Father I cannot do this on my own and left to my measure of character and peace, I will invariably leave destruction in my wake.  Thank Christ I am not alone through this scary life.  My Father is with me, closer than a friend, who will never leave me.  I have been abandoned by the best of them, those even who proclaimed undying vows of friendship and commitment, just as He said that they would.  But I will never be alone and maybe I can be there for those who have gone their own road and are in need of encouragement, safety and love.  I thank you for that Love, Lord without which I would never even ask for the lessons.  Praise Your Mighty Name.  Amen.