Promise of Patience

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:4-6

Paul prayed that the people at the church in Colossae would have the patience they needed as they waited for God's promises to be fulfilled--the same goes for us today. Have patience--God will still fulfill His promise. We still have the hope of Christ's return. 
Then there is the patience we need in our daily lives. What happens when we ask for patience? Usually we get trials to prove that we have or are about to receive patience. Endurance and patience seem to go hand-in-hand. You must endure hardships and trials to get patience. Ask any mother of a two year old! Deep breath--endure. Smile. Patience is needed...with children, co-workers, spouses, parents, siblings, neighbors, store clerks...everyone. God gives patience--but be careful what you ask for. God does want to give us the desire of our hearts. Where is your heart?
       Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. Matthew 6:21

Sometime we get patience given to us...sometimes we just have to put it on--wrap ourselves in it. Paul wrote again to the church at Colossae that since they were chosen, holy people they needed to show patience. All those things that Paul was addressing...mercy, kindness, gentleness, patience...are all gifts of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23).

         Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12

God gives those who love and serve Him--and are filled with His Spirit, gifts. Patience is promised as one of those gifts. What a promise. 

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. Galatians 5:22-23.
Prayer--Dear God --We pray that we will be strengthened with all Your glorious power so we will have all the endurance and patience we need. Colossians 1:11.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 102-104

© 2017 Text and photo by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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