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Presented by Lisa Bishop
Most people will admit patience is not their greatest strength, but it is a fruit of the spirit, and as a follower of Jesus, you and I are to grow in being patient. Take a moment to reflect on the impact your lack of patience has had on your relationships and life. We can all identify moments we wish we could rewind the clock and get a do-over on patience.
The other day I was reading through the gospel of Matthew and came to chapter 18 verse 7 when Jesus said, woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come…
It is necessary that temptations come.
What does that verse have to do with patience? If you think about it, impatience can be the impetus for very poor choices. When you lack patience, you can be tempted to take matters into your own hands, go your own way, and not trust God’s way.
How has temptation tested your patience and caused you to give in? Maybe you have been longing for marriage and are tired of waiting so you are tempted to be in a relationship with someone who is not following Jesus. Or, perhaps you have been waiting on a job promotion and you are tempted to fudge numbers to make yourself look more productive. A coworker could be getting accolades, and it can create the temptation to talk poorly about them to discredit their efforts.
We have all experienced moments when our displeasure or dissatisfaction causes us to make choices we later regret. We are human after all. But don’t let the lack of patience tempt you to fall.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Whenever you are tempted, God gives you a way out. The next time your lack of patience may try to pull you in a direction or to make a decision that will cause remorse; pause, remember God’s faithfulness, and take the way of escape. God promises he will help you endure and prevail.