Many of us lack patience. We tend to want our desires immediately. We want change to occur rapidly. Does that sound like you?
Do you pray and expect things to change the next minute? Sometimes your prayers will be answered right away. Other times they won’t.
Some of us rush into certain circumstances because of impatience. Then we are stuck with unpleasant, overwhelming consequences.
We have to stop viewing patience as an enemy. That's why we might be disregarding this essential part of the Fruit of the Spirit.
Remember, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
Believe it or not, but patience is there to protect us. God knows what's ahead of us. This is why some of our prayers are not answered. God might just be trying to prevent us from the major crash that's ahead.
Have you ever been running late and you cursed every rock and pebble only to discover there was a fatal car crash on your route? Those are the moments we seem to respect patience (delay).
Patience should be a trait we are willing to strengthen daily. Just remember, God will never withhold anything good from us. If he has you waiting, he is preparing you for something wonderful.
The Bible says, “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” (Jeremiah 29:11).
We could all learn patience from the Chinese Bamboo plant. This plant is a tiny seed at first. And after you plant it, nothing seems to happen for several years. “Despite your efforts, only a tiny shoot pokes out of the ground” during the first year.
However, if you continue to water, fertilize and protect the seed, around the 5th year, the tree will grow 90 feet tall in 6 weeks!
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD” (Psalm 27:14).
Prayer: Dear God, help us to wait with a good attitude. Also give us a heart to trust you while we wait for our prayers to be answered. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
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