One Patient and Persistent Woman
Almost every Sunday morning our new brother in Christ stands before us to read the Scriptures. I’ll call him David. David often tells us about someone who is in need of our prayers. Sunday after Sunday I am grateful for the transformed man I see.
David has been attending our church for decades. For decades his aunt, a widow who had no children, talked with her nephew about becoming a Christian. I’ll call his aunt Miss Ruth. While Miss Ruth was sick with COVID and near death, David made the decision to do what she had been encouraging him to do for so many years. Now he stands before us Sunday after Sunday, demonstrating the grace and power of God to transform a life and the patience and persistence of one godly woman.
I loved Miss Ruth. In addition to memories, I have a quilt that reminds me of her. I bought this quilt made by her own hands, when she had her sale before moving out of her home.
I always enjoyed greeting Miss Ruth on Sunday mornings. She looked pretty with her pure white hair. I often remember a tidbit of everyday wisdom I learned from her. One day I came to church without lipstick on. She told me that I didn’t look like myself without it. Because I loved and respected her, I tried to make sure I had on lipstick when I knew I would see her. One of our grandsons recently confirmed what she said. Before he and I had our picture taken together, I put on lipstick and asked him what he thought. He said I looked more like myself that way.
I admire Miss Ruth’s patience and persistence with David. We want our hopes and dreams to become a reality quickly. Remember that just because they haven’t yet become a reality doesn’t mean that they never will. I get to see the evidence of that every Sunday morning.
But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved,
that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years,
and a thousand years like one day.
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness,
but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish,
but for all to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:8-9