Dave’s Monday Blast – January 20, 2025

Happy Inauguration Day! I am reminded this day of the passage from 2 Chronicles 7:11 – 22, claiming for this moment in time the promise of (v. 14), “If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray…then”. I am prayerful that enough of God’s people will continue to humble themselves before the almighty God, seek His face and turn from the wicked ways that have come to define our nation, in so doing, we shall find healing in the land.

INTENTIONAL men of God know that it is God who raises up and casts down all authorities in His time and for His purposes. There are times when we agree with His choices and in those moments are hopeful, there are times when we disagree with God and are hopeless. Regardless, He is on His throne. The thrones of men are easily cast down, but His throne lasts forever.

Last week we had begun a conversation on the topic of Patience. We identified it as a spiritual virtue. Patience is not something we are born with or received instantly at the moment of salvation. Rather, it is developed over time with God’s grace and our cooperation. Patience is the ability to tolerate delay, endure difficulty, or show forbearance to others. Our inability to do said things means that we will no doubt be embroiled in conflict; impatiently demanding that everyone do what we want when we want. Consider the political climate of the last several years. These conflicts can impact our witness.

So…we can see why we must mature this spiritual virtue if we are to be true Image Bearers. Patience needs to be practiced. InTouch Ministries addressed suggests the following strategy:

1. We must practice patience with Ourselves: I know it is discouraging when it seems our progress toward growth in this area so enduringly slow; indeed it is fraught with failure. We must remember that God’s work of sanctification is a long, slow process. Ironically…it requires patience! Hold on to this promise from Philippians 1:6 “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” He ALWAYS keeps His promises.

2. We must practice patience with Others: Our attitudes and behaviors toward people should mirror those of God, who has been so patient with us (2 Peter 3:9). In the Word, patience means longsuffering, yet too often we are quick to become exasperated with those who don’t believe or act as we desire. When we focus on how other people should change, we become blind to our own need for a transformed heart that loves others with patience, kindness, humility, unselfishness, and endurance (1 Corinthians 13:4 – 7).

3. We must practice patience with God: All impatience with people or circumstances is ultimately directed at God, who is sovereign over all things (Psalms 103:19). Instead of trusting in His good purposes and perfect timing, we become upset if he doesn’t answer our prayers or change our circumstances. In reality, we are finding fault with the Lord and judging Him by our standards.

Not to leave this topic just yet…next time I want to unpack some Scripture as it relates to “How to Develop Patience”.