Hold Tight!

In a culture that has fast food, air travel, and nearly instantaneous responses to communication, the value of patience has become lost. Yet, patience is the virtue that will cause us to grow spiritually like no other. Waiting for our prayers to be answered forces us to look to God, to humble ourselves before Him, to acknowledge our dependence on Him.

God has wisdom, and He has a plan. He works to build spiritual muscle slowly, because His focus is on building character and the likeness of Christ in our lives. Holiness does not come from a quick fix.

If we are to resist evil and overcome it with good, we must learn the value of waiting patiently in the midst of life’s storms. Weeping is for the night, but joy comes in the morning, as the psalms say.

All of life in a fallen world requires us to be patient and to rule over our impatient spirits. We do not walk by emotions or whims, but we learn to walk in obedience to the path God has given. Then, His reward will be sure and generous.

The value of training and teaching our children to put off self-gratification is great. Gently helping them to choose patience, to will to be strong, to wait on God, is to prepare them to understand how to live their lives for Him rather than themselves.

His Promises

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”