The Power of Patience – Dr. Charles Stanley
Picture yourself waiting in a checkout line that hasn’t moved
for ten minutes. Many of us would feel frustrated. We live in a generation that
expects instant results.
Everyone struggles with some degree of impatience. We’re born
with this trait—think about a three-month-old who wants milk in the middle of
the night. The inborn reaction is to fuss at the first hint of discomfort and
to keep at it until the need is met. Patterns from our old “flesh” nature make
this a continual battle for most people, but one that is very worthwhile to
fight.
Let’s consider the biblical definition of patience. It
can mean both longsufferingand perseverance, or not giving up and
yielding under pressure. In either case, it reveals itself when we are willing
to wait without frustration while suffering or experiencing some strong desire.
In other words, we accept difficult situations without giving God deadlines.
What’s more, patience means accepting what the Lord gives, on Histimetable—or
what He chooses not to give. This quality results in inner peace and lack of
stress. Meanwhile, we should pray, obey, and persist as we seek God’s
direction.
The danger of impatience is that we might miss the Lord’s
perfect plan and His blessing. Only when we trust our Father’s will and timing
can we rest peacefully.
What causes you stress? Carefully examine whether you are taking
matters into your own hands or releasing the circumstance to almighty God.
Listen to Psalm 37:7, which says, “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for
Him.” Seek His way and His timing. Anything else can be destructive.
Sid Stewart
Executive Director
864 226-6193
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