Skip to main content

The Spiritual Fruit of Patience

April 27, 2012


Read | Romans 5:1-4

The list called "fruit of the Spirit" includes "patience" (Gal. 5:22-23), but that doesn't mean the Holy Spirit wills it into the believer's life. Instead, He acts as our ever-dependable teacher and the one who enables our growth. Spiritual fruit matures over time as we obey the Lord and surrender to His will.

Patience with both God and our fellow man is an outgrowth of deepening faith. The Holy Spirit urges believers to take note of the Lord's handiwork on the journey through life. Our confidence in Him is nurtured by answered prayer, the rich blessings that arise unexpectedly from difficult circumstances, and every trace of good that God salvages from a bad situation. As our trust in His goodness and sovereignty grows, we find ourselves more willing to wait for God's solutions and outcomes.

In fact, I believe that recognizing God's sovereignty is key to developing patience. A significant part of surrendering to His absolute control is waiting upon Him to do what He will. We are wise to realize that our lives unfold according to His master plan--exasperated toe tapping doesn't bother Him a bit. God expects His children to step into His timeline and practice patience no matter what pace He sets.

Patience doesn't come naturally. That's why we have the Holy Spirit. He strengthens our resolve to endure without complaint when progress seems sluggish. After all, God is slow only from a human standpoint. From a divine, eternal perspective, He's always working at the perfect speed.

God bless you !!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

COMMIT TO

In the face of widespread insecurity, fear, and hopelessness, our nation desperately needs your prayers. Join us in praying for our nation, that God will heal our land.

El quebrantamiento de Pedro

If you are unable to see the message below, click here to view .     Leer | Lucas 22.54-62 11 de noviembre de 2014 El orgullo de Pedro era un obstáculo para los propósitos de Dios. Cristo buscaba a un siervo-líder para que guiara a los creyentes una vez que Él regresara al cielo. El antiguo pescador era un impulsivo sabelotodo, pero el Señor vio su potencial a pesar de su arrogancia. Por eso, el gran Artesano utilizó una filosa herramienta —la humillación— para quebrantarlo. Cuando las palabras del Señor estuvieron en conflicto con la opinión de Pedro, el discípulo reprendió temerariamente a Jesús. El Salvador respondió con una virulenta reprimenda, tanto para silenciar como para enseñar ( Mt 16.21-23 ; Jn 13.5-8 ). Inclusive, Pedro incumplió su promesa de morir por el Señor cuando lo negó tres veces ...

In His Eyes

July 23, 2012 Mary Southerland Today's Truth I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be ( Psalm 139:14-15 , NIV). Friend to Friend It was my first day of teaching second grade. While standing at the classroom door, greeting parents and children, I felt a tug on my skirt. I looked down into the beautiful blue eyes of Sammy, one of my new students.  His mother, who was standing beside Sammy, looked at me and said, "I guess you've heard about Sammy.  Good luck!" As she walked away, Sammy said, "She's right. I'm dumb and mean and can't read or write."  Lisa was a tall, blonde and beautiful young woman with zero self-confidence. Lisa was...