IN TOUCH DAILY DEVOTIONAL 3 JULY 2024 BY DR. CHARLES STANLEY, WEDNESDAY MESSAGE
TOPIC: The Power of Patience
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 6:9-15
9 But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way.
10 For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.
11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end,
12 so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
13 For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself,
14 saying, “I WILL SURELY BLESS YOU AND I WILL SURELY MULTIPLY YOU.”
15 And so, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise.
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Picture yourself in a checkout line that hasn’t moved for 10 minutes. Many of us would feel frustrated; we want quick results.
Everyone struggles with some degree of impatience. We’re born with this trait—think about a hungry baby. The natural reaction is to fuss at the first hint of discomfort and to keep at it until the need is met. Patterns from our sin nature make this a continual battle, but one that is very much worth fighting.
In the Bible, the word patience can refer to both longsuffering and perseverance. It reveals itself when we are willing to wait without frustration while suffering or experiencing some strong desire. What’s more, being patient means accepting whatever God chooses to give (or not to give) and willingly receiving it on His timetable. In the meantime, we should pray and obey as we seek His direction. The danger of impatience is that we might miss the Lord’s perfect plan and blessing. But when we trust our Father’s will and timing, we will know inner peace.
Remember to carefully examine whether you are taking matters into your own hands or releasing the circumstance to almighty God. Follow Psalm 37:7, which says, “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” And always remember to seek God’s way and His timing.
Bible in One Year: Psalm 119
Thought For Today: Will you trust the Lord to wisely give—or not give—in His perfect timing?
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.