Revive Me, Week 27– A Year of Growing Stronger in the Lord
Be Patient
We do not live in a patient world. A few minutes in rush hour traffic, a long line at Walmart, or just waiting to get off a plane proves that most people do not appreciate delays or inconveniences. Tempers flare and snarky comments fly!
A couple of days ago I witnessed a woman’s short fuse. She couldn’t figure out how to use the security chip card reader at the store. As she became flustered, she grew louder. “Why do I have to enter my PIN again?!!! I already did it once!!!” Her cheeks turned red. She pointed her finger and growled, “If this thing charges me twice…..When I get home, I’m going to check and see if I’ve been overcharged. Then you’ll REALLY hear from me!” When the transaction was finally complete, she yanked her card out of the machine and stormed off. The next customer in line was asked, “How are you going today, sir?” With an impassive face, he answered, “Fine. You?” He didn’t shake his head, raise his eyebrows, or ask, “What was that all about?”
We’re so used to petulant behavior that those types of transactions don’t surprise us or phase us anymore.
Patience is “the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.” I can appear patient on the outside while being impatient on the inside. True patience is not getting peeved in the first place.
- Do you handle delays, setbacks, and inconveniences graciously or grouchily?
- Does your family witness your impatience? What kind of example are you setting for them?
- How do you treat those who move slower than you do?
- Are you an eye roller?
- Are you more patient with your own weaknesses than you are the weaknesses of others?
The world expects poor behavior in imperfect situations. Let’s surprise them with a genuine smile, kind words, and grace. Let’s be patient.
“Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools” (Ecc. 7:9).
“A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute” (Prov. 15:18).
Suggestions for the Week:
- Study Biblical examples of those who were “patient when wronged” (2 Tim. 2:24). How did they handle the difficult situation? Why do you think they were able to do that?
- Do a heart check. Are you impatient? What sets you off? With whom do you act impatient? Do you need to seek forgiveness? How will you repent?
- Spend more time with those who are patient and gentle and less time (if possible) with those who are quick to express dissatisfaction.
- Be looking for the upcoming Bible-marking topic on patience at comefillyourcup.com.
Read it. Memorize it. Live it.
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Life and Favor (Job 10:12) 