I was thinking the other day how quickly time passes at times. Yet at other times, it just creeps along. As children we wonder when Christmas or summer break will arrive. When we are teens we wonder when we will be able to have a place of our own and lead our own lives.
Later, as we watch our children grow we are amazed how quickly time has passed since we held them in our arms. When grandchildren arrive on the scene, we feel like life is running at light speed.
Yet when it comes to our spiritual growth, we wonder why it takes so long for us to become more like our Savior. Through the trials and the storms of life we are refined slowly by our Lord. By degrees we are refined. As the apostle penned in 2 Corinthians:
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. — 2 Corinthians 3:18
Christ spent three years nurturing His disciples. Yet, after His accession He sent the Holy Spirit to continue the work. God demonstrates the ultimate patience with His children, because we are fallen. He understands, not only because He is all-knowing, but because He came in the flesh that we may have eternal life.
Paul speaks of his fallen nature, when he said, "So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want."
Though I long to be with my Savior in my home, I realize that He has me here for a purpose, to finish the work He began in me. I thank you Lord for your grace and always finishing what You begin.
In the meantime, I will heed these words penned by the Apostle Paul...
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity. — 1 Corinthians 16:13-14—KJV
