Read:
Philippians 3:13-17
Bible in one year:
Ezekiel 19-20
Psalms 69:22-36
Hymn:
Sing hymn 9
Patience and long-suffering are
indispensable virtues for all believers in Christ. In the first place, the race
we are called into can only be run through patience because it is a marathon.
Also, there is hardly any promise of God that can be fulfilled in the life of
believers without the combination of faith and patience (Hebrews 6:12). As
indispensable as faith is to a Christian, so also is patience. No wonder it is
listed as part of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22. Do you know that
when your faith is being tried, God uses that trial to generate patience in
you? This implies that the longer the period of trial, the greater your level
of patience. But, when you fail to handle a particular trial of faith the way
you should, it will not generate the level of patience that it should. For this
reason, many who have gone through trials complaining saw God as an opposition
and therefore grumbled against Him. In the process, some even abandon the
faith. This attitude is contrary to the Word of God as recorded in Hebrews
6:12:
“That
ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience
inherit the promises.”
Children of God must learn not to be
weary in well doing because God has promised us a bountiful harvest if we faint
not. We must completely trust in His superior wisdom to decide the timing of
our blessings. For instance, He knows the end of every line of action even at
the beginning of that action. This is why you must trust His sense of judgment
at all times, because His decisions are not limited to what your eyes can see
today but also what may happen tomorrow. Many years ago, while we lived in a
part of Lagos that harboured several drug addicts and reckless drivers, my
children asked me to buy them a bicycle. If I had obliged their request the
first time, they might not be alive today. God still deals with us based on
what He knows about us today and tomorrow. Be sure that the Lord will not give
you the blessing you are not prepared for, lest it destroys you.
Whenever an expected blessing is delayed
or when faced with difficulties, long-suffering is required to remain composed.
Even when the situation appears hopeless, just take time to read and study the
Bible, asking God to give you a word for that situation. Grab whatever God says,
obey and follow-up with action, then wait for the result, and you will never be
disappointed.
Memorise:
And let us not be weary in
well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Galatians 6:9
Prayer Point:
Father, please help me to patiently wait
for your perfect timing in all things in Jesus’ Name.
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