“The Desire That Has Taught Me Patience”

Dear Lord,

You know the desires of my heart. You know that one desire that at times becomes an idol, though it is not a bad desire in and of itself. You know that one desire that at times put me into deep depression.

Despite the longing and pain that desire has given me, I praise you God for teaching me to wait on you and your timing. I also praise you Lord for the people you have put in my life that are available to counsel me in my moments of depression over the matter. I am also thankful that those people do not tell me what I want to hear nor allow me to have a pity party.

Thank you Lord for giving me the desire and intelligence to pray and read your Word when I am depressed. To be honest it is just this year that I have started doing both (when depressed). Thank you also God for pushing me to pray for that one desire everyday...which no doubt is teaching me perseverance.

Thank you Lord for providing a “job” where I am mentored and allowed the opportunity to serve you by serving others. Help me Lord to keep my eyes on the most important goal of my life….furthering your kingdom. Help me Lord to increase in my desire to do your will and be in your will.

Perhaps it is your will that that one desire is granted, perhaps not. But whether I am provided a helper of my own, or simply have the church family to rely on please help me to minister to others and proclaim the gospel to the lost. For as the song goes “I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed."

Thank you Lord for saving a terrible sinner like me. Thank you also Lord for giving me the gift of saving faith and teaching me that my salvation is the result entirely of you. For when I think on such matters I often think of the famous quote by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, “The greatest enemy to human souls is the self-righteous spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation.”

Thank you Lord for teaching me the difference between meaningless faith and saving faith, faith that even demons have and faith that produces good works (James 2:14-26). Increase my desire to do works pleasing to you because of, not for my salvation. For only a  self-righteous spirit thinks prayers and good deeds saved them. Again thank you Lord for teaching me that it is only you who saves, and the “faith alone” that saves is a gift from you.

Thank you Lord for the desire that has taught me patience.