Leviticus 23:1-22; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17; Matthew 7:1-12
We live in an era of instantaneous communication. Modern technology allows us to stay in touch with loved ones half a world away. With the click of a mouse or flick of the phone, lives are conjoined in mere seconds, rather than days or months as in years past. Christians have quickly habituated to being constantly connected to others.
Technology is a wonderful resource for Christian fellowship and for sharing the gospel both far and wide, but there is also danger in constant connectivity. As we acclimate to fast-paced communications and anticipate lightning-quick replies to our requests, we can become impatient — especially when communicating with God. When prayers are not answered with the immediacy of our modern modes of communication, we may wonder, “Does God really hear me?” or “Does he even care?”
Jesus reminds us to be patient and persistent. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matt 7:7 ). The door may not open instantaneously, but it will open, in God’s perfect time. So do not grow weary in the waiting. Keep on asking. Keep on seeking. Keep on knocking. Your Father hears, and he will answer.
Prayer: Eternal God, give us wisdom to ask for your provision, faith to trust in your goodness, and the patience to persevere in prayer, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Today’s devotion was written by Paulette McHugh, Associate Pastor, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Lexington, SC.