In the last post ★ Back to the Basics – GOD IS…SPIRIT ★, we discussed the significance of Pentecost for the Jewish people and believers in Jesus. That day we received the greatest gift anyone could hope for, the Spirit of God who is the vehicle to help us to live the overcoming life. Today we are going to see that…
It has been a little over (5) weeks since that post, so hopefully you have been exhibiting this attribute, hahaha! Today marks Day 120 of our family self-quarantining. 
As you can see, I have been ticking away the days wondering will it ever end. The past (4) months have been a bit of a blur and definitely an unusual time for all of us to develop some patience. Early on in my walk with Christ, I remember a friend of mine telling me that I should never pray for patience because God will give me “opportunities” to develop patience. Now you may be reading this and be in total agreement with my well-intentioned friend, but I do not believe that is at all what God desires; after all…patience is one of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit as Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) tells us:
“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!”
I don’t know about you but for so much of my life, I have been impatient whether it be for the next stage of life (ie. I could not wait to grow up so I could get out of school, now I cannot wait to retire so I can relax 😊); or with a project at work that will not end or with wanting people to change that don’t. This attribute of God has always amazed me, all throughout the Bible His patience is tested over and over through the rebellion of His children and yet He endures! I am so thankful that God does not give up on me. So I have come to realize that if PATIENCE is one of the fruits of the Spirit, even though it can be really challenging, I think it is one that if we master it, we will reap the rewards in our walk. I read this quote somewhere which said:
“A moment of patience in a moment of anger saves you a thousand moments of regret.”
Amen? Well enough about us, lets look at some scriptures that illustrate this side of God. When I think about God’s patience, the story that comes to mind is how the Israelites rebelled against God. If you recall, after God delivered His people from Egyptian slavery, Moses sent (12) spies into the Promised Land and when they returned, (10) of them gave a bad report which lead the people to began to complain and doubt God (See Numbers 13-14). In Numbers 14:18-19 (NLT) Moses quoted what God said:
““The Lord is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. But He does not excuse the guilty. He lays the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected — even children in the third and fourth generations. In keeping with your magnificent, unfailing love, please pardon the sins of this people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.””
God is patient but there are consequences for sin. And the consequences were that the people would have to wander in the wilderness for 40 years for their rebellion. I love how Luke recorded what Paul said in Acts 13:17-19 (NLT)…
““The God of this nation of Israel chose our ancestors and made them multiply and grow strong during their stay in Egypt. Then with a powerful arm he led them out of their slavery. He put up with them through forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Then he destroyed seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to Israel as an inheritance.””
Even though God rescued them from Egypt and the people rebelled, He still took care of them as they wandered in the wilderness (see Exodus 13:21-22), and then cleared the way for them to enter the Promised Land. When I read the Old Testament and all the ways the Israelites blew up, I quickly want to judge them and ask how in the world could press their luck and sin against God but then I catch myself and remember that I have failed in my own way over and over throughout my life. But thanks to the patience of God, He has not given me what I deserve! 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT) says:
“The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”
Thank you, Lord, for that truth! I will close with one final scripture that supports the importance of developing patiences in our lives. James 1:12-13 (NLT) says:
“GOD BLESSES those who PATIENTLY ENDURE testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.”
Life as we have known these past 120 days has pushed us to our limits in many ways and yet in other ways I have felt phenomenally blessed as the quarantine has given additional time in the day to sleep, reflect, exercise and spend more with my family. Yes, I have had my moments of impatience, but I believe when we get to the other side of this pandemic if we trust in God and patiently endure we will be so much stronger and mature. I would encourage you to pray, stay home if you can or if you must go out please, please wear a mask and keep your distance from others. Stay safe!
★★ Dig Deeper ★★
★ Thought for the Day – What’s On The Inside? ★
★ Thought for the Day – Overwhelmed or Overcoming? ★
★ Thought for the Day – What’s In Your Sponge? ★
Daily Dependence 