Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces patience. Let patience finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1: 2-4)
By Ned Sickle
Patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, but it is a fruit that I have in short supply, especially when it comes to fly fishing. Although I have gained considerable respect for gifted fly fishers, my attempts have ended badly. My efforts were expensive, non-productive, and I am sure that the fish chuckled at my lame attempts to catch them.
But my few attempts at fly fishing have taught me a valuable lesson: There are no coincidences in this world. No accomplished fly fishers expect the fish to coincidently jump in their boats or nets.
Being flexible to accommodate changing circumstances is difficult for me. Throughout my career, I have always been a “plan your work, work your plan kind of guy.” But I have also learned that I must be receptive to those unexpected changes that offer an opportunity to spread God’s word.
So, when I received an unsolicited phone call attempting to sell me services I didn’t need, my first reaction was to hang up the phone. In hindsight, I am not sure why I didn’t. I certainly had an array of work-related things to do and purchasing the solicitor’s services wasn’t on my “to do” list.
It was clear to me, however, that the caller was struggling. I asked some open-ended questions and simply listened. We ended up praying together.
Sometimes God wants us to trust him, to be interrupted, and to go where people are to deliver his message.
Pray
Lord, help me be more patient with myself and others.
Reflect
In what ways, and with whom, do you need to be more patient?
Discuss
Share examples of situations at work that you originally thought were coincidences but now believe were God’s handiwork.
Ned Sickle recently retired from a career in management consulting and hotel operations. He has two grown children and lives with his wife, Laura, in Scottsdale, AZ. Ned is a Board member of WorkLight and can be reached at ebsickle@gmail.com.