Patience transforms our character. Patience is developed in our lives as we wait on Jesus in prayer and fasting. The great promises of God are found as we follow Abraham’s example of faith.

⌛✨Reflection 🤔:

Can you identify an area in your life where you presently struggle with impatience? How does the promise of developing passionate patience in the face of troubles bring hope and endurance?

Scripture 📖

Why it is valuable to wait on God and rest in His timing?

God’s Perfect Timing:

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) – “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Waiting on God means trusting that His timing is perfect, and in that waiting, our strength is renewed.
About Enduring Patience 📝:
  • Obstacles provide an opportunity to develop passionate patience.
  • Difficulties forge the tempered steel of virtue in your character.

Divine Delays: Discovering the Power of Patience in God’s Timing

  • Divine delays refer to situations where it seems like God is holding back or prolonging the fulfillment of a promise, prayer, or expectation. Here are a few examples of divine delays from the Bible:
  • Abraham and Sarah: God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations. (Genesis 17:15-21, Genesis 21:1-7).
  • Joseph’s Imprisonment: Joseph received dreams from God that indicated he would have a position of authority. (Genesis 37-50).
  • Israel’s Waiting for the Messiah: The Old Testament contains prophecies about the coming Messiah. (Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2, Matthew 1:22-23).
  • Lazarus’ Death: When Jesus received news of Lazarus’ illness, he intentionally delayed going to Bethany. (John 11).
  • Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh: The Apostle Paul faced challenges, and he pleaded with God to remove a “thorn in the flesh.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
These examples illustrate that divine delays, though puzzling at times, often serve a greater purpose in God’s plan. They build character, deepen faith, and bring about outcomes that exceed human expectations.

Ten reasons why patience is valuable:

1. Wisdom and Discernment:
  • Patience allows time for reflection and discernment. It helps individuals make wise decisions, considering various aspects and potential outcomes.
2. Building Strong Relationships:
  • Patience is crucial in relationships. It allows for understanding, forgiveness, and the development of deep, meaningful connections.
3. Effective Communication:
  • Patience fosters effective communication. It gives individuals the opportunity to express themselves clearly and to listen attentively.
4. Reducing Stress:
  • Patience reduces stress by promoting a calm and collected demeanor. It prevents impulsive reactions and allows individuals to face challenges with a clear mind.
5. Enhancing Self-Control:
  • Patience is linked with self-control. It empowers individuals to manage their emotions, avoiding rash decisions or actions driven by frustration.
6. Achieving Long-Term Goals:
  • Many significant achievements require time and effort. Patience is essential for persevering through challenges and setbacks on the path to long-term goals.
7. Maintaining Health and Well-being:
  • Impatience and stress can negatively impact physical and mental health. Patience contributes to overall well-being by promoting a more relaxed and positive mindset.
8. Cultivating Gratitude:
  • Patience helps individuals appreciate the present moment and what they have. It fosters gratitude by allowing individuals to focus on the positives in their lives.
9. Resilience in Adversity:
  • Patience contributes to resilience. It helps individuals endure difficulties, bounce back from setbacks, and maintain hope in the face of challenges.
10. Promoting Empathy:
  • Patience enables individuals to be more empathetic. It allows them to understand others’ perspectives, fostering compassion and kindness in interactions
In various aspects of life, from personal growth to relationships and professional endeavors, patience proves to be a valuable virtue.

Prayer 🙏:

God, thank you for the opportunity to develop enduring patience through troubles. Smooth out the rough edges of my thinking and help me reflect Your long-suffering. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Declaration 📢:

I am patient, enduring with hope and trust in God’s plan.

Get the Book “Women Who Move Mountains” Click here!

Women Who Move Mountains by Sue Detweiler