During our final week of Patience we are focusing on having Patience towards God. What does this look like to a four year old? When we pray for someone (who is sick, lost, or going through a difficult time) for days, weeks, months, or even years, we are demonstrating patience with God. By not putting our timeline on Him, we are communicating that we trust God’s plan. We make our requests known but wait patiently for him to fulfill His promise just as Abraham waited patiently for God. Hebrews 6:15
Who is your family praying for right now? If they live in your town, commit to praying for them each time you drive by their house. If they live farther away, choose a particular stop sign as a reminder to stop and pray for that person each time you drive by.
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16
Abraham talked to God about His desire for a child during the 25 years he waited! We can talk to God about our desires without complaining or whining. We can be patient with God as he makes His plan for our lives known! As my husband waited on God to provide direction for the next step in his life after college, I pieced together this reminder for him.
I love this old hymn so much that I read (well, really squeaked out the words in between my tears) it to the boys and told them the story behind the piece of paper. I want them to understand that God always keeps His promises! I don’t know about you, but if I know how something ends, it’s easier to be patient as I wait. Disney movies are enjoyable because we know there is going to be a happy ending! Waiting in line at our favorite popsicle place is not as difficult because we know how delicious the treat is going to be! If we teach our children God’s promises, they will know how the story ends. John 3:16 And when hard times come during this life, and they WILL come John 16:33 our children can stand firm on the promises of God.
I picked out seven promises to read to the boys. As they listened to these I told them to think of one they wanted to “stand” on that really spoke to their lives at the moment. When they heard I would be sharing seven promises one of my boys let out a sigh! I could tell he needed to get up and move so we played follow the leader around the yard as I read them these promises!
Chip picked out Isaiah 49:15-16 “I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” He wrote this promise with chalk, then I traced his hand and he wrote his name inside it. After that, he stood on the words and proclaimed the verse out loud.
Banks chose a promise for courage. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid…for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:8. I wrote this verse for him and he traced over it a few times! Then he stood up and we said it out loud together.
Justice drew a rainbow as we talked about how God used this sign to promise that He would never flood the earth again. Genesis 9:11 As he drew the rainbow we said together, “God always keeps His promises!”
“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Mr. Marc was our next door neighbor and often played songs on his guitar as the boys ran around in the backyard. As part of the Speer Family, he grew up singing gospel music and continues using his gifts to record hymns for CB&J today! These hymns are a timeless way to remind children about the character of Jesus, and we are grateful to be able to share these with you.