Being Like Him - a 40 Day Lenten DevotionalSample

Patience

One of the key attributes of God is patience. When Paul describes the 13 characteristics of love in 1 Corinthians, he mentions patience as the first characteristic of love, and he also attributes this to being a part of the fruit of the Spirit. This passage indicates how God wants us to have these characteristics in our life.

How did God display his patience? He remarkably showed his patience on the cross. Many of us lose patience, especially in a crisis. When we are insulted or hurt, we lose it. We then tend to display our power and agitation, and the real person in us comes out.

However, we see God’s display of patience beginning from Genesis; He bore the pain of our disobedience through all generations. Likewise, at the cross, He was challenged to show His power and His authority, yet He patiently went through it all, mindful of our salvation alone.

The enemy used every opportunity to provoke Him. The disciple who betrayed Him, Pilate, Herod, the soldiers and the people around provoked him. The religious leaders and the Pharisees provoked him. He was provoked by the enemy to bow down and avoid the cross, and the list can go on. Jesus went through all this because He knew His father was at work and He would bring justice to pass. His patience earned us our salvation. His patience sustains us. His patience is what I would even owe my very existence to.

This attribute ought to become a part of our pursuits to become like Him. Jesus knew the end, and hence, he suffered the shame with patience. Similarly, when we rely on His justice and timing in our situations, we can be more patient.

When we lose our focus and allow our thoughts and wounded egos to enslave us, we lose patience. We may try to prove ourselves right. We may even try to display our might without waiting on the Lord. Being patient comes from a deep reliance on God to work on our behalf. How patient are we? Do we try to prove ourselves when provoked? Alternatively, are we waiting for His justice and time?

Prayer

Mighty God, your patience on the cross is unfathomable. You went through shame, pain and ridicule because you knew your Father and your Spirit were working. Lord, give us the grace to be patient in all circumstances and enable us to rely on your justice and love for your purposes to be accomplished. In Jesus name, Amen.