
You’re Shining for Jesus Wherever You Are


From Victory to Victory


Overcoming the Flesh


We Know Love by This


Treasured!


I CHOOSE Not To Be Offended


Giving God Your Best


The Power of Patience

He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. (Proverbs 14:29)
One of the Merriam Webster definitions of patience is: “steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity.” It’s not the most uplifting definition. Being patient is hard because as humans, we have a tendency to want what we want at that particular moment. Unfortunately, it seems that life is often a test of patience.
I struggle with waiting – whether it’s sitting in traffic or at a restaurant. Why, I’d rather drive five miles out of the way than sit stuck in traffic. I get impatient when I’m facing a deadline and get interrupted, or when someone says they’ll do something and then fall through.
Where do you struggle with patience? Do you ever pray, “Lord, give me some patience, now!” Let me suggest a few practical ways to learn patience:
- Take a deep breath and pray for self-control.
- When people anger you, if possible, retreat for a moment. Take time to back off and get control of your emotions.
- Confront fairly, and seek to listen and understand – first. When needed, be sure to forgive.
- Remember, the greatest motive for patience is remembering God’s patience with us.
Patience is a precious commodity, for it’s a powerful way to win the respect of others and turn a potential enemy into a friend.
Amen! This devotion blessed me. I pray after reading this devotion you can take something away from it to influence your life for the good. We can all use a little direction and guidance when it comes to patience. I love when it said, the greatest motive for patience is remembering God’s patience with us. Help us today Lord to show patience, for there is power in patience.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today Reading is Romans 8:25

Wise Aid

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
As I stopped my car at a red light, I saw the same man standing beside the road again. He held a cardboard sign: Need money for food. Anything helps. I looked away and sighed. Was I the kind of person who ignored the needy?
Some people pretend to have needs but are actually con artists. Others have legitimate needs but face difficulties overcoming destructive habits. Social workers tell us it’s better to give money to the aid ministries in our city. I swallowed hard and drove past. I felt bad, but I may have acted wisely.
God commands us to “warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). To do this well we must know who belongs in which category. If we warn a weak or disheartened person, we may break her spirit; if we help an idle person, we may encourage laziness. Consequently, we help best from up close, when we know the person well enough to know what he needs.
Has God burdened your heart to help someone? Great! Now the work begins. Don’t assume you know what that person needs. Ask her to share her story, and listen. Prayerfully give as seems wise and not merely to feel better. When we truly aim to do what is good for each other, we will more readily be patient with everyone, even when they stumble (vv. 14–15).
When have others most helped you? What did you learn about how best to help others?
Father, help me to help wisely, and often. Amen.
I was so encouraged by this devotion and I pray you are as well. It gave me spiritual insight to an area I myself struggle with from time to time. If we would do as today’s devotion says and seek God and don’t assume we know what the need is but stop, ask and listen, God will lead and guide you and I to help wisely.
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Jeremiah 32:17

Hope and Encouragement
