If we desire to become Christ-like, we should not resist developing patience but instead embrace it!
This devotional is a continuation of the series I began last week, which I put on hold because of posting a devotional about Christmas.
Patience develops character
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5
The word “perseverance” is the word “patience” in King James Version. Tribulation is designed to produce patience. As carnal human beings we are not patient people. Not only we have our own ideas on how things should turn out, but we also want them now!
The Lord gives us opportunities in life to develop patience. We cannot be people of character and not have patience!
Through patience,
- We become calmer. We are not emotional wrecks.
- Our relationships are not subject to how we feel day by day.
- We are consistent even when things don’t go our way or we don’t get the promotion we deserved.
- We are kind under pressure and have control over our tongue.
- We will tell the truth because we are not looking for short-cuts in life.
People with character are hard to find because those with character have said “yes” to God over a long period of time, and they have allowed God to have His way in them. Developing character requires patience because it cannot be rushed, and it cannot have a time-table.
God designs custom-made circumstances to develop patience in us. Having patience in tough situations or around difficult people produces character. Character expands our capacity to hope in God and continue to receive His love even under tough circumstances. These kinds of individuals are dangerous to the enemy because they stay unshakable in spite of unfavorable circumstances.
Patience brings wholeness
By your patience possess your souls. Luke 21:19
Possess (G2932) : to acquire, get, or procure a thing for one’s self, to possess, to marry a wife.
The above scripture is a powerful verse about patience. Before we knew Christ we were under the bondage of sin and corruption. We made little progress to get rid of bad habits even when we tried. Through patience, we learn to die to self and not allow the old man to have his reign in us any longer. The more we do this, the more we are reining the soul into its proper place. Our mind, emotions, and will are not running our lives any longer, but the Spirit takes its rightful rulership.
We did not own or posses our souls prior to knowing Christ. Our souls possessed us. As we grow in the Lord, our soul comes under our authority rather than running the show. One of the meanings of the word “posses” is to marry a wife. As a wife is subject to her husband, so does our soul becomes subject to our spirit man rather than rule over the spirit man. This is great progress for every one of us for we are not subject to how we feel or think at any given moment any longer; we remain stable and steady.
Lord, we thank you for the gift of patience that allows us to look more like you. Remind us of the benefits of patience when we are in a tough place and help us not to resist it but to embrace it.