Strong And Steady
“And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady”
(Romans 5:4)
God’s Word communicates the same truth to us in James 1:2-4. “Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.”
Anyone who has ever been used of God in any significant way has learned to be patient. God’s ways are not always our ways, and since the just are to live by faith, by faith we can say, “I can trust God. His timing is better than my timing and His ways are better than my own.”
Learning the lesson of patience is a lifelong endeavor. But since it is a fruit of the Spirit, it is something we can claim by faith and cultivate at every possible opportunity. On many occasions God has impressed upon me that there were certain things He wanted me to do, but these projects sometimes were not completed for many years after the original impression was given. However, in the process God gave me the ability to be patient, to trust Him, and the reward has been well worth the waiting.
Since we know that God’s timing is always perfect, we do well to wait upon Him for answers to our prayers – no matter how urgent they may seem to us at the moment, because our God is never late. He does all things perfectly.
Bible Reading: Romans 5:1-6
Today’s Action Point:
By faith, I will claim today the help of the Holy Spirit to enable me to be more patient as I live the supernatural life to which God has called me. As I face problems, testings and temptations, I will know that they are for my good, to develop strength of character so that I may serve God more effectively.
About the Author
This article was written by Bill Bright. You can read more about this author by clicking this link:
http://www.talk.thelife.com/bill-bright/
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