Strong spirits: patience to slow down
Patience is the poster child for spiritual fruit because fruit takes time to ripen.
How are you with waiting? I thought so... me too...
"Wait for the Lord! Be strong, and let your heart take courage, and wait for the Lord." King David (Psalm 27:14)
"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise... He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish..." the apostle Peter (2 Peter 3:8,9)
"How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" King David again (Psalm 13: 1)
"Wisdom calls aloud in the street... 'How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?" King Solomon (Proverbs 1:20, 22)
The Bible is rife with stories of those who had to wait long for the blessing they'd been promised - Abraham, Sarah, David, Joseph, Hannah to name a few. Most of us are impatient, and most of us are always in a hurry. Both are injurious to our spiritual health.
Think how patient God is with us! He waits long so we can gain the blessing he intends. Patience is the poster child for spiritual fruit, because it takes a long time for fruit to ripen. If you will let him, God will help you to slow down, live in the moment, cherish each day, and wait confidently that he has everything under control.
How much patience do you have?
Have a great week!
Gary Schwerin serves as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church. He is also the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life.
