Kidzablaze Devotions

Colossians 3:12-13

12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

Galatians 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

The “fruit of the Spirit” includes patience (Galatians 5:22-23), but that doesn’t mean the Holy Spirit will force it into the believer’s life. Instead, He acts as our ever-dependable teacher and the one who enables our growth. Spiritual fruit matures over time as we obey the Lord and surrender to His will.

Patience involves waiting for God’s timing, whether in regard to things we desire or challenges caused by other people. Either way, it’s an outgrowth of deepening faith. The Holy Spirit urges believers to take note of the Lord’s handiwork on the journey through life. Our confidence in Him is nurtured by answered prayer, the rich blessings that arise unexpectedly from difficult circumstances, and every trace of good that God brings from a bad situation. As our trust in His goodness and sovereignty grows, we are willing to wait for God’s solutions and outcomes.

In fact, recognizing God’s sovereignty is key to developing patience. A significant part of surrendering to His control is waiting upon Him to do what He will.

Patience doesn’t come naturally. The Holy Spirit strengthens our resolve to endure without complaint. After all, God is slow only from a human standpoint. From a divine, eternal perspective, He’s always working at the perfect speed.