#19: PATIENCE

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But the Spirit produces…patience… Galatians 5:22 (GNB)

I like the way the Good News Translation introduces this verse of scripture. The regular way we quote this scripture is to say that “the fruit of the Spirit is…patience…”. This means that fruit is the product or consequence of something done; in this case being baptized and led by the Holy Spirit of God. This particular manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit is something worthy of note especially when you look up the meaning of patience.

Patience is the capacity for waiting: the ability to endure waiting, delay, or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset, or to persevere calmly when faced with difficulties [Microsoft® Encarta® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.]

Going through scriptures from Genesis to Revelation, we see several promises that are meant for us, but our present situation is an opposite of what God has promised for those who love Him. Today God is telling us that in all our leadings by the Spirit, we should not ignore the salient silent breathing of patience as we wait for the manifestation of the promises. God’s time is the best (Eccl 3:11), and God’s ways are different from ours (Isaiah 55:9), we cannot question the delay in answers to prayers. God uses these moments of waiting to build our faith on Him (Heb 10:23).

Response: Teach me God to wait with all resilience and relentlessness for all you have in store for me. Help me not to curse you or be unnecessarily upset and grumble while I wait. Amen.

Happy Sunday.

Written by DiDi.

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