pa·tience

pa·tience - the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.

Have you ever had one of those days that starts off where everything seems to take forever? You leave the house late and hit a string of red lights, then get stopped at a train crossing—right after waiting for an ambulance to pass. Finally, you make it to the freeway; only to be stuck in traffic. Some of us would be on the verge of losing it. Sometimes it seems as if God enjoys a little humor while he teaches us.

Patience isn’t just about waiting—it’s about how we wait. It’s the ability to endure (tolerate) delays, difficulties, and even suffering without blowing a fuse.

Proverbs 16:32
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Waiting in God's Timing
We live in a world driven by instant gratification where patience often feels like a lost virtue. While the world pushes for speed, God often works on a different timeline—one that builds character, faith, and endurance. God moves at the speed of divine wisdom, not human urgency.

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Patience with People

Jesus showed perfect examples of patience over and over again with people. He dealt with the disciples’ doubts, the Pharisees’ accusations, and ton’s of disrespect. Yet, He never lost His cool. If Jesus could be patient with imperfect people, surely we can extend grace to people who act up with us.

Proverbs 19:11
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

Resting in God's Plan

When life feels uncertain, remember that patience is also about trusting. We have to trust that God will honor his word and that He is working behind the scenes regardless of what the situation looks like. Trusting in God's plan requires patience which isn't simply waiting passively; it's an active virtue that involves -

• Hopeful Expectation: Believing that God will fulfill His promises, even if it takes time.

  Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

• Enduring Hardship: Persisting in faith despite challenges and setbacks.

  James 1:2-4 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
  

• Trusting in God's Timing: Acknowledging that God's timing is perfect, even if it differs from our own. Ecclesiastes 3:1 - There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

There will always be delays, challenges, and moments that test our endurance. But every time we practice patience, we reflect God’s grace in our lives. We should know and believe that God’s timing is always perfect, even when it doesn’t match our expectations. Choose peace over frustration and faith over doubt.

Lets Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, bless us to have Godly patience and to be able to trust you and your timing. Give us the resilience to stay focused on You and the ability to endure life's challenges. Teach me to be patient with others, just as You are patient with me. When frustration rises, help me to respond with kindness and understanding. When life feels uncertain, remind me that You are always in control, working all things for my good. May I wait with hopeful expectation, knowing that Your plans are greater than my own. Thank you in advance for your grace. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen

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