Dave’s Monday Blast – January 27, 2025
At his inauguration, President Trump mentioned that the next four years will be a “Golden Age” for America. As a proud American citizen, I “hope” that it is true as the last few years have been difficult for our faith family; those who believe in truth and justice. Themes of family, faith, and freedom were woven throughout his acceptance comments. I was encouraged, but know that the changes necessary to move America back to Biblical values will take time and require patience.
We have spent the last two weeks chatting about the spiritual virtue of patience It is so important for children of God, who are created in the Image of God, to work tirelessly on maturing this virtue. It takes time and energy to develop and we must be INTENTIONAL about it. It begins with the way you think. When your thoughts are anchored in Scripture, you’ll find that you’re more patient with others and willing to endure difficulties that once caused frustration or anger.
Last week we shared that to develop patience begins by acknowledging the need for it. We have to practice patience with:
1. Ourselves (Philppians 1:6)
2. Others (1 Peter 3:9)
3. God (Psalm 103:19)
I want to conclude this discussion by sharing how we develop patience: Synthesized from InTouch Ministries
1. Pray for it: Since patience is one aspect of the fruit of God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:22 – 23), we can confidently ask the Lord for it, knowing He answers prayers that are in accordance with His will (1 John 5:14 – 15). However, if we ignore or fight against the Spirit’s work in our life, our requests are meaningless. Patience is the fruit He produces as we submit to Him and allow God’s Word to change our mind, emotions, and will.
2. Think Biblically: God uses difficulties to develop patience within us. That’s why James says, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And endurance when utilized will have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2 – 4).
Although trouble is not joyful in itself, we can still rejoice because God uses it in our life to produce something good. Rather than grumble or feel sorry for ourselves, we must learn to look at our trials from God’s perspective, knowing that this is the way He makes us more like His son.
3. Accept Responsibility: Oh No…Not that! No one drifts into patience. If we give no thought to our spiritual life and make no effort to grow, we will be governed by our circumstances rather than by Christ. However, while we’re responsible for developing patience, we are never alone in our efforts, since the Holy Spirit indwells and empowers us. The grace of God that saves us also teaches us to deny ungodly habits and live righteously (Titus 2:11 – 12).
Being patient is an act of faith! We must always remember that God is sovereign. We must trust Him to use difficult circumstances and people to make us more like Him. One of our most difficult tasks in this arena is self-denial, but that is exactly what patience requires.
