Our Patient God
Bible Reading: Isaiah 40:27-31
Author: Mr. Ken Claar (Idaho, USA)
Author: Mr. Ken Claar (Idaho, USA)
Friday 29 March 2024 © The Upper Room.
When I was about five years old I had a heart disease called endocarditis. In those days this disease was very serious, and my life was threatened for almost a year. My family members were not Christians; but because we lived in a small town, the Sunday school in the local church heard about me and sent a teacher and a small group of kids called “The Sunshine Club” to visit me.
I don’t remember much about the visit, but I recall that they gave me a small shiny plaque with a picture of Jesus holding a lamb. It said that Jesus is the good shepherd. They wrote some kind messages on the back of it, in pencil. Somehow, through all our family’s moves and the many moves my wife and I made during our marriage, I managed to keep that little plaque. The pencil inscription has faded but is still readable.
Later in my Christian life, the plaque became one of my prized possessions. It reminded me that God is faithful and patient with us, waiting and being available when we finally realise our need for him. As the verse above says, “They who wait for the Lord will renew their strength.” I gained spiritual strength and physical healing, and I am still going strong at 85 years old. God is faithful and true, and the sooner we come to God, the longer we can honour God and walk with Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Dear Lord, bless all who have been touched by your care, and bring them to a true faith in Jesus our saviour. Amen.