Hello everyone! I pray you are doing well and excited to continue our Lent devotional. Today’s passages are Colossians 1:9-12 & 2 Peter 3:9. “Instead of reacting impatiently, we are able to react prayerfully by coming to God for help.”
In today’s fast-paced world, patience often feels like an endangered virtue. The mindset of “I want it now” creates proud and the “now” attitude drives an impatient and arrogant spirit. This an insidious force that can disrupt relationships, steal joy, and lead to spiritual stagnation. Yet, patience is not merely a virtue to be admired; it is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and a discipline that aligns our hearts with God’s will and timing. Colossians 1:9-12 provides a profound perspective on why patience is essential in our walk with Jesus: “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” This passage highlights that patience is not cultivated by our own strength but through the empowerment of God’s glorious might. Patience allows us to bear good fruit, grow in knowledge, and rest in the assurance of God’s eternal promises.
Impatience, on the other hand, stems from pride—the belief that our timing and desires take precedence over God’s sovereign will. When we yield to impatience, we fall into our own act of self-interest, straying from God’s path, and missing the blessings found in waiting on Him. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us of God’s extraordinary patience with humanity: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” This verse redefines patience as an expression of God’s love and mercy. Rather than rushing to execute judgment, God patiently extends grace, giving us time to repent and grow in righteousness. His patience is not weakness but a deliberate act of love, teaching us to mirror His character in our interactions with others. If the Creator of the universe can wait for His creation to turn back to Him, how much more should we, His children, strive to extend patience in our daily lives?
How can we develop and embody the patience that reflects God’s teachings? If you are uncertain of this question, here are some resources:
Seek God’s Strength: As Colossians 1:11 emphasizes, patience is empowered by God’s might. Daily prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit equip us to face challenges with grace.
Practice Gratitude: Cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving, even in seasons of waiting. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundant blessings God has already provided.
Reflect on God’s Timing: Meditate on 2 Peter 3:9 and consider how God’s patience with you has transformed your life. This reflection can inspire humility and patience with others.
Surrender Pride: Recognize that impatience often stems from pride. Surrender your plans and timelines to God, trusting that His ways are higher than yours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Pursuing patience over prideful impatience is an act of faith and obedience. It requires humility to admit that God’s timing is perfect and trust that His plans are for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28). By seeking His strength, practicing gratitude, and reflecting on His boundless patience, we can grow in endurance and reflect His love to a world desperate for grace. May we, like the Apostle Paul prayed in Colossians, be strengthened with power, endure with patience, and joyfully give thanks to our Heavenly Father. In doing so, we reject prideful impatience and embrace the transformative work of God’s Spirit in our lives.
Let’s discuss what we just learned. I have some questions that I want you to think about, write them down, and if you’d like to comment below, we can discuss them together!
- How do you struggle with impatience?
- What is often at the root of your impatience?
- If you are a list person, write a plan for how you want to rely on the Lord in the moments when you feel impatient.
“When we remember God’s patience, we will be encouraged to exhibit patience through His strength.”
Today’s verse for Lent prayer is John 11:25-26 and the prayer prompt is, “Pray for continual belief in the truth that Jesus is the resurrection and the life and that you would find your hope in Him.”
I hope you enjoy this study and decide to come back. Tomorrow we will discuss Extending Forgiveness instead of Unforgiveness. I hope you enjoy the beautiful sunset that was made by our loving Father and y’all have a wonderful night.
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