I don’t know about you, but I’m old enough to remember when you’d be embarrassed to have to “patch up” your jeans. Of course, nowadays, folks buy jeans with holes in them! If a little one falls down, a kiss from Mom and a band-aid can “make everything better!” If you have a flat on your car, perhaps there’s a nail in it – a simple patch will enable you to go many more miles before you have to replace the tire. So what is a patch? The dictionary defines it as a small piece, part, or section used to conceal, reinforce, or repair a worn area, hole, or tear.
I believe that there are times when we all need “patching” in one way or another. Sometimes, like the jeans, we just get worn out. Maybe you haven’t been in an adult Sunday school class in 20 years because you “filled in” for the preschool teacher long ago. It can be hard to work up true enthusiasm when you’re “burned out.” Do you need to be “patched” by returning “to your first love?” (Revelation 2:4) Maybe a “band-aid” is the patch that is needed in your life. Are you hurting? May we remember – “Though they stumble, they will never fall; for the Lord holds them with His hand.” (Psalms 37:24) Our hearts can be “patched” by the love of God. “He heals the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3) But, what if you’ve got a “nail stuck in you?” We must remember that Jesus also endured nails, and because of His nails, our lives can be made whole once again. We must “resist him (the devil), firm in our faith, knowing that the same kinds of afflictions are experienced throughout the brotherhood in the world.” (I Peter 5:9)
Are you worn out, hurting, or damaged? Jesus said, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) God Bless, Courtney