Patience-Ask for more = get more opportunities to practice

Some say patience is a virtue. I missed getting this post out on time but the topic seemed so important and relevant that I didn’t want to miss it. Are you patient? What events, circumstances, or situations cause your patience to wear thin? How do you respond in moments when you need patience? Do you lean into God and ask for help? Do you pray for patience? Ever noticed that when you practice and prove patience you get better at it and stronger? Ever found that when you pray for patience you get more opportunities to practice patience? How do you do when you have to deal with or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious? Have you ever noticed the warning signs of becoming impatient?

Warning Signs that Patience is wearing thin:

Physical Responses:

• Restlessness: Fidgeting, tapping feet, or drumming fingers¹.
• Increased Heart Rate: Feeling their heart beating faster².
• Shallow Breathing: Breathing more quickly or shallowly¹.

Emotional Responses:

• Frustration: Feeling annoyed or irritated³.
• Anxiety: Experiencing a sense of urgency or stress¹.

Behavioral Responses:

• Rushed Decisions: Making hasty choices without fully considering the consequences³.
• Interruptions: Cutting others off in conversation or trying to speed things up².
• Outbursts: Displaying anger or snapping at others².

Understanding these responses can help in managing impatience more effectively. Have you noticed any of these signs in yourself or others?

Cultivating Patience Through God’s Word

Seek Strength in Scripture

Patience is a virtue that can be nurtured and developed through the teachings of the Bible. James 1:3-4 states, “Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” This verse reminds us that trials and challenges are growth opportunities, and by leaning on God’s Word, we can develop the patience needed to face life’s difficulties. Key takeaway: Embrace challenges as growth opportunities. Practical application: When feeling impatient, meditate on James 1:3-4 and trust in God’s process to build your perseverance.

Pray for Patience and Expect Opportunities to Grow

When we ask God for patience, we must be prepared for Him to provide situations that test and strengthen this virtue. Romans 5:3-4 encourages us with, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” By praying for patience, we are inviting God to mold our character through perseverance. Key takeaway: Patience is developed through trials. Practical application: Regularly pray for patience and be open to the situations that God places in your life to grow this trait.

Model Patience for Your Family

As fathers, demonstrating patience is crucial for setting a positive example for our children and strengthening our family relationships. Proverbs 14:29 advises, “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” Patience reflects wisdom and understanding, qualities that children learn by observing their parents. Key takeaway: Your patience teaches valuable lessons to your family. Practical application: In moments of frustration, remind yourself of Proverbs 14:29 and strive to model patience and understanding for your children.

Embracing Patience for God’s Glory

The Path to Patience

Scripture clearly illustrates that patience is not only a necessary virtue but one that is cultivated through trials, prayer, and consistent practice. James 1:3-4, Romans 5:3-4, and Proverbs 14:29 guide us to understand the importance of patience, how it is developed, and the impact it has on those around us. Embracing patience requires a commitment to leaning on God’s Word, praying for His guidance, and being open to the opportunities He provides for growth. As we strive to be the fathers that God, our families, and the world need, let us remember that patience is a key component in reflecting God’s love and wisdom.

Topic: PROVING YOUR PATIENCE

Verse: JAMES 1:3

'because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. '

What comes to your mind when you hear the word test or testing?

Today’s Devotional makes me want to ask the question, do “school days come to mind”? Do you have memories of ‘sweaty palms accompanied by the words “Clear your desk and take out a pencil”‘? Have you ever considered the benefits of testing? How about the reality that it proves or affirms that we know the material? How about when you didn’t prepare or study? Did it tend to come with some type of “rebuke–gentle or severe, depending on the grade”?

Tests are a lifetime experience

Today’s Devotional calls out the reality that just because we graduated doesn’t mean the tests stop. It points to the fact God has tests for us too, like: “Describe nine ways to know if you are filled with the Holy Spirit.” It means we need to be in His Word to know, and Galatians 5:22-23 gives us the answer which says:

'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. '

NLT translation puts it this way:

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Testing has purpose

Today’s Devotional points to the reality that “God allows us to experience times that test our patience in order to show us whether we are relying on ourselves or on the Holy Spirit.” Testing allows us to know and have more evidence of the reality that we do or don’t have the kind of power we are relying on – our own or the Spirit’s. Are we depending on our strength and abilities or moving by the power of the Holy Spirit in our situations and circumstances? Are we trying to walk in our power or asking the Holy Spirit to fill us with His presence to give us the wisdom and discernment to help us be and accomplish what God has and wants for us?

Today’s Devotional challenges us to turn to God and ask “Fill me with Your presence, Holy Spirit, that I may manifest patience in this situation.” It concludes with “If you are tested today, don’t fail by relying on yourself.” It wants us to walk in the confidence and affirmation “of our reliance on the Holy Spirit” working in us.

“Hope is the foundation of patience.”

JOHN CALVIN