Good day
I trust you're doing well.
Another aspect to shining our light is to be patient with ourselves, knowing that God is patient towards us.
When I take a moment to reflect on how patient God has been towards me (especially in the area of being obedient to the tasks He's asked of me, how I was delayed in carrying out some of those things), and how throughout that time He remained patient, loving, merciful and faithful. He never "scolded at me", He was never distant towards me or discarded me ... And when the time came and I started improving in those areas it's like nothing had ever changed. It was like a movie that was just simply placed on pause and as soon as I decided to "press play again" and get things back on track, it's like things had just carried on from where I had left off... But throughout that time, God remained the same toward me, He didn't love me any less , He wasn't any less faithful, merciful, forgiving, etc. He never pushed me aside or abandoned me... He remained, and continues to remain, patient!
Now we shouldn't take God's patience for granted and assume that our lack of diligence towards our relationship with Him doesn't come with any consequences. I think the obvious one that comes up is that we're ultimately behind schedule with where God is wanting to take us and all He has in store for us (referring both to what we're meant to receive from Him and the things we're meant to do for Him)
But the point is that God is patient and this truth should give us great hope and encouragement.
There may be things that you're aware of that you've left on the shelf; areas you know God has called you to be a part of; assignments that are still pending, etc ... God is patient my friend ... Meaning it's not too late to start again!
It's not too late to pick up your assignment, to carry on with the things God has called you to.
Not too late to be the husband, wife, parent, child God has called you to be.
Not too late to pick up on your spiritual disciplines of committed Bible reading, praying, attending church and small group meetings, etc.
God is patient, so let's allow His goodness and kindness to lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4) and by His grace, to pick up where we left off.
Amen
I also want to share the below encouragement that I received from a friend that I believe ties in with this message:
"Sometimes those close to us can ask some challenging questions. Sometimes you may not have the answers yet or you may not want to answer for different reasons but I've always kept myself open to these and answered as clearly and accurately as I can. Knowing it comes from a good place.
Sometimes we don't want to face things or aren't mindful of doing the things that should be done. We subconsciously choose to go with the flow of life and do what life pushes us to do.
By allowing myself the time and putting in the effort to answer these questions, all along knowing it's what I actually needed to be thinking about in the first place, I can attest to the fact that it's steadily added immense value to my life. One action after the next, one correct thought after the next and eventually, slowly but surely everything gets in line.
So I'd encourage you all, whether it be from a close friend, a pastor, a small group leader or God directly speaking to you... Don't turn a deaf ear or shut yourself off from thinking about the tough things. When you put in the effort and do what you can, work through it at your pace and just keep at it. Even if you forget for five months, if you're reminded the 6th month, pick up the challenge and just keep at it."
As we seek to shine our light, let us remember that God is patient with us, that it's never too late to start and to remember to be patient with ourselves as well.
(Psalm 103:8, Psalm 86:15, 2 Peter 3:9, Galatians 6:9, Colossians 3:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:14, Romans 15:5, Hebrews 10:36)
Amen