A Patient Patient

Friday, November 24, 2023
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "We Gather Together"1 (Lyrics)

I needed to make an appointment to have my ears checked, so I called my ear, nose, and throat doctor. The next available appointment was a month away, and I booked it. A week before the appointment, I began getting text reminders to confirm my appointment, but each time when I attempted to reply, my texts didn't seem to go through, so I telephoned the office to confirm.

Instead of the receptionist, I got a recording informing me that my call would be answered in the order that it was received and that I was caller number five. Then, it asked me if I wanted to remain on the phone or leave a voicemail. Each time I moved up a level in the caller response line, I got exactly the same sequence of messages. Finally, after much waiting, I reached caller number one status and was asked once again whether I wished to wait or leave a voicemail. Can you guess what I chose?

As I continued waiting, I wasn't prepared for the next recorded message: "There are zero callers in front of you. Would you like to wait or leave a voice mail?" That was a no-brainer!

As I continued to wait patiently, I thought about how Jesus, hot, hungry, and tired, waited patiently for the Samaritan woman to come to the well.

John 4:6-8 – Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) (NIV)

We are not told just how long He had to wait, but willingly and patiently, He put aside any inconvenience and discomfort that He may have been experiencing for the opportunity to be able to minister to and offer the precious woman forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

1 Corinthians 13:4a – Love is patient. (NIV)

It is God's purpose for believers in Jesus Christ who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit to be conformed to Jesus' image. Being patient is just one of the ways that we show forth our conformity to Him.

As I reflected on Jesus and the Samaritan woman, thoughts of how long I had been holding suddenly were not important. My thoughts shifted from I, me, and mine, to the live receptionist who would soon be on the other end of the telephone.

He or she would most likely have had their share of impatient, irritated patients who had been holding for extended periods of time.

I was presented with an opportunity to be able to speak kindly to the operator and by God's grace to be a "patient patient".

Brothers and sisters, even if we are hot, hungry, or tired, let's remember Jesus and look for the ways and opportunities that He may give us to show others the patience of God in our lives.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for teaching us through Your precious Word and example how to live the Christ life. We sure do love You! Amen.

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About the author:

Cheryl Mariano (Cheremiah) <cherylmariano@gmail.com>
Casa Grande, Arizona, USA

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    A good word, Cheryl.


    Patience, kindness, to those who help us – Thank you for the reminder.


    Thank you for taking time to write your devotional for today. A perfect lesson for all of us.


    I was touched by your devotion, and I especially liked the last sentence. “We sure do love you” sounds like what a child of God should say to our good, good God! Thanks.


    Cheryl, you have planted a good reminder in me to be patient in my circumstances because there may be a Devine Appointment arrangement ahead of me. Such a good thought. Thank you!


    Good morning, Cheryl,
    Thank you for the good words this morning.
    Patience is a virtue, possess it if you can, as the saying goes.
    Blessings on you and yours.


    Thank you for your very “on” words today Cheramiah. Yes, patience is much needed, especially in today’s world where we so often get messages from hi-tech devices rather than get to talk in person to a human. Patience is truly a virtue which was shown very well by our loving Lord. Blessings for writing.


    Good morning, Cheryl,
    I like it when I am told where I am in the queue, so I know that something is actually happening. It is true that the world is a better place when we practice patience and react with kindness and understanding. Thanks for sharing. Wishing you a day filled with peace.


    Good morning,
    Thank you for today’s message, Cheryl, it made me chuckle. I too have found myself on the other end of a call to my doctor’s office for what feels like forever only to return to the bottom of the queue after reaching the top. It takes patience to keep holding on until we reach someone at the other end of the phone line.
    Blessings!


    Thank you, Cheryl, for your devotional.
    I sure enjoyed it.
    Thanks and many blessings in the holiday season,
    (Québec)


    Dear Cheremiah,
    I’m thankful to read your Devotion. You are alright on target and write such powerful messages we need to hear. Earlier Today I also had to pay some Bills and patiently wait a lot. I admit it wasn’t easy. I’m glad my attitude shifted while I waited, and I realized I was very blessed to be able to pay our Bills.
    Truly we are blessed beyond measure!

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