“Patience is not simply the ability to wait–it’s how we behave while we are waiting.” -Joyce Meyer, American charismatic Christian speaker, author

The grocery store is bustling as I dart to the checkout. Each line is packed, and I choose one. 

Oh no, my mind has been conformed to the world! I have chosen the slowest line, and I become judge, jury, and executioner of what stands in front of me. I am testing their hearts and motivations, thinking nothing of God. 

Why does the cart in front of me have 200 items? Ridiculous things, I muse! They even have products that are, by my definition, duplicates: whole wheat bread AND multi-grain bread. TWO packs of flowers? The cashier is moving like a turtle. And the turtle has black high tops with crazy socks-ridiculous. She asks the customer if they need water. WATER?! Well, they purchased everything else in the store; why not ask them if they want a palette of water? I have six items–please hit “total” and check me out! 

I have rendered myself to the lowest of low and deliberated this act of condemnatory thought process in less than five minutes, moreover only fifteen minutes from Sunday worship! 

Knowingly, when my foot moved forward toward the counter, it was with great remorse and I knew that God must be worshiped in the spirit at all times. God does not impose upon us anything unreasonable but that which is agreeable. God presents himself little by little in mysterious ways. A lesson about God’s good and perfect will at the market from a turtle with high tops. 

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” -Romans 12:2, NIV

Prayer: 

Consider what is true for you now that wouldn’t have been true if you hadn’t had to wait? 

Lift this in prayer