Friday, August 28, 2026

Bible in a Year Reading Plan: Numbers 5-8 | 2 Corinthians 3

I remember sitting at my grandma's kitchen table years ago while she tried to teach me how to crochet. When I say tried, I mean she had the patience of a saint while I had absolutely no idea what I was doing.

She showed me how to hold the hook, loop the yarn, and somehow turn a tangled mess into an actual stitch. Eventually, we created a crocheted butterfly magnet. I'm pretty sure Grandma did most of the work, but she never made me feel embarrassed for not knowing what I was doing. She just patiently showed me, let me try, and waited for me to figure it out.

In a similar way, God is patiently guiding those who haven't found him yet, gently leading them closer to him.

Romans 2:4
Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?

God's kindness isn't just something we receive; it’s something we're called to reflect. As we remember how gentle and patient he has been with us, we're challenged to extend that same grace to others.

That same kindness is especially important when we’re loving people who haven’t yet decided to trust Jesus. They may still be tangled up, struggling, asking questions, or even making a mess of things. But their mess doesn’t make them any less worthy of our patience and love.

Sometimes it’s tempting to get frustrated or give up on them, especially when we don’t see the change we hope for. But that’s not what God does with us. He keeps pursuing us, patiently giving us room to grow, learn, and find our way back to him.

And sometimes, that kind of patience looks surprisingly ordinary, like my grandma at that kitchen table. I still don’t know how to crochet, but if she were here, I know she’d patiently pick up the yarn and try again with me - no frustration, no judgment, just love and encouragement.

That’s the kind of heart we’re called to have for others: a heart that doesn’t give up when someone is still learning how to find their way.

Let's pray for the strength to wait patiently, to love deeply, and to point people to Jesus, no matter how long it takes for them to want to see him.

Questions:
Who in your life needs patience and grace from you right now?

When have you experienced God’s patience in your own journey? How did that impact you?

How can you create a safe place for someone who is still figuring things out?

Next Steps:
This week, pray specifically for someone who hasn’t yet decided to trust Jesus. Ask God to give you a heart of patience and compassion for them.

Reflect on a time when someone was patient with you. Consider writing them a note of thanks, or letting their example shape how you treat others.

Memorize Romans 2:4 as a reminder of God’s kindness and your call to reflect it.

21 Days of Prayer | Today’s Focus: For the Courage to Make a Difference 

Prayer: 
Thank you, God, for loving us so deeply and inviting us to share that love with others. Help us intentionally notice the people around us, and give us courage to step in when we see a need. Use our everyday conversations and our acts of kindness to help others see who you are. You are the light of the world. Help us live in a way that draws those who feel far from you into your light. Let our lives point them to the hope and grace found in Jesus. Help us trust you, follow your lead, and shine your light wherever we go. In Jesus' name, amen. 

Series Theme Verse:
John 13:35
“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” 

Written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content at CedarCreek Church.