Get the appFresh FruitSample
Day 6 | Patience
Patience is not on most of our “top 10” wants.
Waiting in line.
Waiting for the end of winter.
Waiting for a table.
Waiting for a husband.
Waiting in traffic.
Waiting for a promotion.
Waiting for babies to be out of diapers.
Waiting on a diagnosis.
Waiting for a good friend.
Waiting for financial freedom.
Waiting for the phone to ring.
Waiting for the perfect time.
Just waiting.
And then there’s waiting on God.
We think we have the whole picture worked out and He never seems to move when we think the timing is perfect.
Isn’t it amazing that when He does move, we see how much more He knew?
He can see what we can’t see and it’s always worth the wait. Begin to practice patience.
Let’s think about patience.
Life in and of itself will teach you patience. In this fast-paced, hop-to-it world we live in, just the inconvenience of a traffic jam or an interruption in our well-planned-out day can throw us into a tailspin. We’re used to getting what we want when we want it – heaven forbid we get in the line with the trainee-clerk and a person ahead of us who needs a price check.
Just like the fruits we’ve already studied, patience is learned. We have to practice an intentional reaction of calmness to the surprises life brings and the milestones we’re waiting to cross. We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can control our reaction. We need to learn to thank God for each and every stage of our lives… job struggles, relationship strains, problems we can’t solve, friends who just don’t get it. Remember, you wouldn’t be who you are if you hadn’t been where you’ve been. Thank God for trusting you enough to help you grow, and for giving you eyes to see His provision in the end.
List some things that are trying your patience today. Sometimes we can avoid the confusion that causes impatience if we plan our day to be proactive instead of reactive. What’s the big picture of your day? What can you do to plan ahead? What are some practical ways and actions you can take to change your outlook and relax your spirit?
Albert Einstein said, “God doesn’t play dice.”
God isn’t trying new things out on your life.
He isn’t guessing at the outcome.
He made you.
He knows you.
And He has everything under control.
Search the Word for God’s call to you to rely on His timing and His direction in everything from your daily decisions to your life-long goals.
About this Plan
It's reinforced a million different ways. We overcommit and wear independence like a crown, modeling for those watching us that busy is synonymous with success. Isn't it ironic that what we're called to is complete dependence? This walk through the Fruits of the Spirit reminds us that as we totally submit to God, only then will we be stronger and more beautiful.
More
