Devotional for Tuesday, June 6, 2017
“The Virtue of Patience”
by Dona Hake
I think children really have a tough time being patient with waiting especially for special events. I can remember our youngest son when he was little, and in the midst of his impatience, I would say, “You must be patient for patience is a virtue!” Kids always respond to statements like this with that “ugh” look on their face. Even though my son was just learning to pronounce certain words, he would try his best. One day he had an opportunity to determine himself to be patient, and I overheard him saying…”Patience will hurt you!” I quickly said, “Oh my! that’s not true. Patience is a good thing.” He said, “But Mommy, you said patience will hurt you!” I had to giggle for he was hearing the word virtue to be hurt you!
Little memories like this are fun but interesting enough it seems that sometimes people do look at patience as a painful thing rather than a time of good waiting and growth in the soul! When I see people exhibit patience in trying and tough situations it always strikes me as such a wonderful strength. Sometimes it seems that there are those that are just strong in their patience because it is part of their makeup and personality. Know this though…we all have our limits in how much we can take. Only the patience that comes from above and developed within our soul is the patience that will help us forbear tough situations.
Proverbs 19:11 (ERV)
“Experience makes you more patient, and you
are most patient when you ignore insults.”
I especially like this translation of Proverbs 19:11 because I think the more we go on in life and we walk through experiences we begin to understand things more deeply. In any trying situation IF we allow the Lord to teach we, we will walk away with more wisdom under our belt. I leave you with this scripture to meditate upon, and you think upon His patience developing in you!
Proverbs 19:11 (MSG)
“Smart people know how to hold their tongue;
their grandeur is to forgive and forget.”