Patience - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) October 5, 2021

There are times we pray for things and see the answer so quickly, it'll make our heads spin. Then there are times we pray on a matter and find ourselves still praying on the issue days, months and years later.

When we experience the latter, we need to remember it's just God's way of teaching us patience. Patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit according to Galatians 5:22 and therefore, it is essential for every Spirit-led believer in God. If we don't have enough of it to fulfill God's purpose in our life, like a kind and loving Father, He'll make sure we get it. That may mean we have to wait on Him for something while continuing to pray. Praise God for His promise in Habakkuk 2:3 - For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

When we wait on the Lord for the answer to our prayers, we have to be mindful that it is a test of our faith. We therefore can't be double-minded. James 1:6-8 warns us not to be wishy washy but believe that what we've asked for is coming and thus wait without doubt. James 5:8 tells us You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

Indeed James 5:11 reminds us As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. Here, the apostle taught that perseverance - hanging in there patiently - brings the sort of blessings Job experienced. In case you've forgotten, Job received double restoration of all he'd lost. According to James 1:4, we are to Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Patience is no easy feat, but that is by God's design. He wants us to acquire this fruit and because it is a fruit, it needs time to grow on the tree before it becomes mature enough to eat. Let us trust the Lord to teach us patience, to let it grow in us so that it can become a key weapon in our arsenal against the enemy of our soul. Don't forget Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. God is faithful. We might be experiencing a period of unease and wish things could change. However, God is using that season to flex and strengthen spiritual muscles. He's finetuning for His purpose. Let us be patient with Him and grow in such patience for our own good. He who promised is faithful and has great things in store. Just get through this season - with patience.