“Tribulation worketh patience.” Romans 5:3 KJV
THE OLDER we get the more patient we become, even though we have less time ahead of us. Why? Perspective! Our problems haven’t changed, but our perspective has. We’ve lived long enough to say “this too shall pass,” or “His grace is sufficient.” Instead of complaining, which only makes the problem worse and robs us of joy, like Joseph we look back on experiences we thought we’d never get through and say, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20 NAS). The word for you today is—God wants you to become more patient! Patience is one of the nine fruits of the Spirit named in Galatians chapter five. But it’s a very slow-growing fruit that thrives best in the soil of troubles and trials. Some of us are like the lady who prayed, “Lord, give me patience, and I want it right now.” Sorry, that’s a prayer God can’t answer. James writes: “When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For…when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing” (James 1:2-4 NLT). When you think about it, patience is simply trusting God with things like “how” and “why” and “when.” As you look back on some of the things you wanted so badly and would have rushed into, you realize God pulled back on the reins and kept you from getting into some major messes. Impatience is one of the dominant characteristics of children; it’s spiritual immaturity. So be patient!
Soul Food Reading: 1 Sam 17:4-51, Eph 6:10-18
