Listen:
“And suppose he calls out from his bedroom, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is locked for the night, and my family and I are all in bed. I can’t help you.” (Luke 11:7 NLT)
Reflect:
In reflection, I am thinking on how at times I am impatient while dealing with people whom I feel are disturbing me in one way or the other. As believers we call on God when in distress or needy, and we expect an answer! And yet in the comfort of our lives we ignore those around us, in their silent or loud calls. This scripture reminds us of the Father in whose image we are created, and calls us to examine how we respond to each other. Imagine a situation where our verbal response is so heavy for the person doing the ask, and how it seats with our God who loves us unconditionally. Thinking about how each person can remember a situation where we responded by demeaning others! How about a polite response even if we are not able to assist?
Though this verse is linked to the verse 8 which exemplifies persistence, the application of verse 7 to our lives calls for reexamination on how we deliver our answers to those around us, we can choose to respond in humility and compassion and leave the recipient encouraged as opposed to breaking them further. Let us cultivate humility in our daily lives as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Jesus showed us the way to exercise humility even in difficult situations, can we follow His example? Food for thought.
Prayer of Response:
Dear heavenly father, would you teach us how to exercise patience while responding to requests from those you bring our way. We ask for your forgiveness where we have failed to measure up with your expectation to exercise humility when dealing with others in need. Thank you for the blood of Jesus that allows us to come to your throne of mercy to receive pardon for our sins. Guide us to your paths of righteousness. In Jesus name. Amen
Questions to Ponder:
- When did you last experience a moment when someone did ask for some favor that annoyed you? How did you react?
- Can you remember an instance in your life when you persistently sought God and it looked like it was not being heard. How did you feel?
- What would you ask God to enhance in your walk with Him to cultivate patience while responding to requests from other people?
Breath Prayers:
Join us in praying breath prayers each day. We invite you to write your own as well.
Inhale(Breathe in): Lord,
Exhale(Breathe out): Guide us to your paths of righteousness.
Inhale(Breathe in): Heavenly Father
Exhale(Breathe out): Teach us to exercise patience.
—Submitted by: Elizabeth Gachuiri
Elizabeth currently lives in Nairobi Kenya after a long career with the United Nations in Geneva. Her family continues to live in different continents, some in Africa and some in France. Her love for Lifesprings started in 2009 when she attended a retreat in Lyon, France, then she attended the Grenoble LSM School, which was the first school in Europe, was part of the Team that organized the LSM Geneva School and now planning for a Nairobi School in 2026. Elizabeth is a people person always grateful to meet, mentor, encourage women to realize their space in God’s kingdom assignments, selfless and happy to serve always.