Teenside Daily Devotional

3/27/20
Read Matthew 2:13-23.

I would easily say that one of the biggest lessons that God has tried to teach me over the last year is to have more patience. He is constantly bringing me into situations where the only option I have is to wait. And there hasn’t been a single one of those situations where I enjoyed the waiting. I just want things to be the way that I want them now. In this season now, I’m tired of waiting to find out if my wedding plans will have to be changed, I’m tired of waiting for the opportunity when it’s safe to be around people again, and I’m tired of sitting with only three friends on a Sunday morning or Wednesday night. I want to be surrounded by tons of God’s people again! However, as I sit and read about Joseph and Mary fleeing with their newborn to Egypt so that he is not killed by a ruthless king, my life is put back into its context. They had to flee to Egypt of all places! Although it was the place through which God had delivered Israel, it was also where they were mistreated and enslaved. I’m sure that wasn’t pleasant to recall for Joseph and Mary. Yet, they stayed. And they waited. Most likely, they waited for at least two years. None of the situations I have complained about in the past have been as horrible as theirs was. If they can have that sort of patience and trust in my God, why can’t I? Let us all continue to pray for patience from the God who will gladly grant it.

Questions:
*Take a moment to journal these questions. Write down your thoughts, questions, and concerns. Then date your entry. One of the coolest things is being able to look back and see how God came through for you.*
 

1. For you, what is the hardest part about being patient?

2. When our plans get interrupted, it’s easy to become impatient. And that sometimes means getting impatient with God. When good things, that seem to be within His plan, are put on hold we sometimes start to question “why”. Have you ever felt this? What questions arose in your heart during this time?

3. Joseph and Mary practiced patience but also discernment. They sought God and he came through for them every time. Within the course of this text, an angel of the Lord appears in a dream to Joseph 3 times. God never lets Mary and Joseph walk through their time of waiting alone. How are you making time to listen to God? How do you discern the voice of God from the voices around you?

Prayer: God wants to walk with you in this time of waiting and teach you things you’ve never known before. Spend some time praying about the things you journaled. Pray for discernment as you seek God’s plan.