Patient Persistence

Nobody ever had to learn how to be impatient. We’re born with that ability, as infants crying to be fed immediately. Are we better as adults? Perhaps you’ve noticed how quickly drivers will pull over to the next lane, just to get one car length closer to the red light as they wait. If the front car doesn’t immediately go on green, we hear honking. Persistence says we aren’t going to wait unnecessarily. Many things need to be handled right now. As we walk with the Lord, we get to learn a very important lesson: some things are worth the wait, no matter how long it takes.

We can be thankful for delays that bring patience, because endurance is essential for receiving God’s promise. — Hebrews 10:3

Ten Thoughts to Ponder

1. Without death, there can be no resurrection.
2. Patience and persistence are fraternal twins.
3. The opposite of patience is unbelief.
4. Giving up what we want, for the sake of what we know is right, requires a clear understanding of value.
5. The smallest things can be of the greatest consequence.
6. Temptation is an opportunity to go the wrong way if we want.
7. Tests reveal whether we are less or more than who we thought we were.
8. Listening has no value when my thoughts, feelings, and actions don’t change.
9. True riches come from huge investments in the Bank of Heaven.
10. Every day presents a new opportunity for me to surrender to the Lord what I want so I can have what he wants.

Questions for Further Thought

• What circumstance might have taught you that “haste makes waste”?
• How can we become more patient and considerate of others?