THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE
The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)
Today, let’s remember God’s never-ending patience toward us.
Most of the time, I don’t want to wait for things. I prefer to get my packages the next day. I prefer not to wait for food, especially when I’m hungry. I fail miserably at this because if He doesn’t answer within a few minutes, I’m on to the next thing. As humans, we have to wait on something every day, whether we want to or not. We wait in line at stores, we wait in traffic, and we wait for others to reply to us. Waiting isn’t easy when it’s something that we want. But the one who is incredibly patient with us sees patience differently than we do.
I learned that patience and waiting are good. They are not easy, but good. They help develop our character, and we learn what’s truly in our hearts when we’re forced to wait for something. We begin to see God's work in us as we wait for Him to move. We cannot comprehend or understand God’s timeline. His patience with us is a true gift. Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus said He would be back soon. Soon has been 2,000 years and counting. God is patient because He loves us and wants others to come to know His love and patience. Do you believe that today?
If you haven’t surrendered your life to Jesus, God is patiently waiting. He wants you to turn back to Him and become part of His family. If you’re in a season of chaos, unforgiveness, anger or any other struggle, God is patient and waiting for you to turn everything over to Him and let go. He will take care of you.
APPLICATION: In what areas of your life do you seem the most impatient? Ask God for patience in those areas and surrender your timeline to His.
PRAYER: Jesus, it’s difficult living in a world where we must be patient. But You are always patient. Help me become more like You in this area, and help me realize You always know what’s best for me. Help me not see delays as denials but as Your blessing. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?