February 20, 2025

THE QUIET STRENGTH OF PATIENCE (PART 2)

Apst. Emmanuel Osezele

KEY TEXT: ROMANS 15:4 KJV: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."

WAITING ON THE LORD: Waiting on the Lord is an essential aspect of patience. It involves trusting that God will act at the right time and in the best way. This kind of waiting renews our strength and brings peace, as we surrender our control to Him. "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (ISAIAH 40:31).

PATIENCE IN RELATIONSHIPS: Relationships often require patience, as people can be challenging or slow to change. God calls us to bear with one another in love, forgiving and being kind even when it’s difficult. This patience reflects Christ’s love for us and fosters unity. "With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (EPHESIANS 4:2).

GOD’S PATIENCE WITH HUMANITY: God is the ultimate example of patience. Despite humanity’s sins and failures, He delays His judgment, giving everyone an opportunity to repent and turn to Him. His patience demonstrates His love and mercy toward us. "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 PETER 3:9).

PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, grant me your enduring grace to always patiently handle issues and situations, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen.

REFLECTION: JAMES 5:7 KJV: "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain."