Psalm 37:7

“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”

I have prayed for patience and God has graciously answered by sending me trying situations that demand that I wait. It is at times like these that I question whether it is a good idea to pray for patience ― it is! The problem as I see it, is that some of us have the idea that the answer to our prayer is for God to take away the thorny situations of life. Beep! It doesn’t work that way.

Job was the most righteous man on earth. He also was extremely wealthy. He also was blessed with a large family of seven sons and three daughters. It must have been in a matter of ten minutes that word came to him that he had lost his wealth, and that all ten of his children had been killed by a windstorm.

As I think about the character quality of patience, I am reminded that Job’s reaction to this horrific news was what defined patience. In response to this life altering news, he said; “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”

Patience is giving God permission to take as long as it takes to bring about His perfect will. It is His will, not our will. It means that we learn to rest in Him and trust ourselves into His control. In essence it says, “Not my will but Thine be done!” Proverbs 3:5-6; “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!

- – - Pastor Cecil