The End will be Better

Scripture:
The end of a matter is better than its beginning;
a patient spirit is better than a proud spirit.
Don’t let your spirit rush to be angry,
for anger abides in the heart of fools.
Ecclesiastes 7:8-9

Observation: As the teacher provides a series of wise sayings, many juxtapose the "wise" and the "fool". In these two side-by-side statements, we see patience and anger compared to each other. Patience comes with practical advice, to wait for the end of the matter and thus not react to an initial situation. The second part about anger reinforces this, showing that rushing into a matter can cause anger, which is a sign of having the heart of a fool.

Application: Tomorrow, I am about to be tested as never before in my life. I will be judged by someone I don't know, responding to questioning about me based on lies and accusations leveled at me. I must trust in God that the end of this matter will be better than the beginning of it, and I must exhibit more patience and less anger than ever before.

I'm not sure I can do it. I have considered this moment for some time, and arrogance, pride, and anger well up in me every time. I have righteous indignation over this matter. Yet I must simply ... endure. I must listen, respond with calm truth, and trust in the judgment of a person who may have explicit intent to do me wrong.

This might end in disaster, as the teacher himself has observed that evil falls upon the good. Yet I have faith that the end of the matter will be better than its beginning, for I know God is in control.

To that ends, I also know that I can be patent tomorrow if I surrender to the Holy Spirit, which I gladly do. I cannot do this, but God can. I know this, I trust this, and I embrace this.

Prayer: Lord, I do surrender my heart and mind to you tomorrow. May I reflect nothing but your supernatural calmness and patience. May your Spirit so strongly work within me. I cannot do this, and I am blessed to know that I do not have to. Thank you for your love. Amen.