THE
BOOK OF GOD'S PROMISES
Walking in Patience
By
J. Steven Lang
CBN.com
-- You may have seen the popular wall poster of a few years, ago, with
the words, "Give me patience, and I want it right NOW!" Living in our instant
gratification world, patience seems to be in small supply. Yet for people who
continually describe themselves as "stressed-out," it might be the most useful
quality we could hope for. Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait
patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about
their wicked schemes. Stop your anger! Turn from your rage! Do not envy others
-- it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust
in the LORD will possess the land. Psalm 37:7-9 It is better to be patient
than powerful; it is better to have self-control than to conquer a city. Proverbs
16:32 Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can crush strong opposition.
Proverbs 25:15 Patience is better than pride. Don't be quick-tempered,
for anger is the friend of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 Love is patient and
kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its
own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and
trials, for we know that they are good for us -- they help us learn to endure.
And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens
our confident expectation of salvation. Romans 5:3-4 We also pray that you
will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience
and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father,
who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people,
who live in the light. Colossians 1:11-12 Do not throw away this confident
trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings
you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's
will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. For in just a little
while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And a righteous person will live
by faith. But I will have no pleasure in anyone who turns away. Hebrews 10:35-38
Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity
for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So
let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in
character and ready for anything. James 1:3-4 If you suffer for doing right
and are patient beneath the blows, God is pleased with you. This suffering
is all part of what God has called you to. Christ, who suffered for you, is your
example. Follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:20-21 Jesus said, "Come to me, all
of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my
yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will
find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you
is light." Matthew 11:28-30 See also Worry.
The Book of God's Promises -- Copyright, 1999 by J.
Stephen Lang. All rights reserved, used with permission.
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