PATIENCE AND CONFIDENCE
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)
Romans 8:23-25 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Patience and confidence are not contradictory with each other. They work together to accomplish great things in our lives. Paul points out that on this side of eternity we recognize there are things missing in our lives. We learn to wait patiently for the all the promises of God to be fulfilled in us. While we are waiting patiently, we also are confident the day will come when we experience the full promises of God. Do you have something you are hoping for? Is there a healing that you need? Do you desire salvation for a friend or family member? Perhaps you are looking for a new job? Maybe your heart’s desire is a healing for a relationship? Our confidence in the promises of God is what releases patience in the waiting time. As a pastor I have spent lots of time in hospital waiting rooms. I remember being called to the hospital in times of crisis and waiting with families who received devastating news. I have also sat there to receive the good news of a baby being born or a surgery being successful. Whether in celebration or sorrow I have been with people who chose to be confident in God. On this side of eternity, we don’t understand why some things happen the way they do. But we can still be confident that God is in control. God does love us. God is going to work all things together for our good. Our confidence in God is what carries through the times of questions and disappointment. This is where patience is born. We don’t need patience when everything is going wonderful. We develop patience when we are waiting for the promise to be fulfilled.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit please help me to develop patience. Help me grow my confidence in You and Your promises. Help me to live at peace with the process.
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