Patience is the capacity to accept or tolerate or endure

• delays
• problems (unwelcome or harmful situation that needs to be overcome)
• sufferings

without becoming annoyed or anxious. To be powerful is to have control and influence over people and events; producing great force. I’d rather be patient so that what the Lord wants for me will materialise than force situations because I think I have power to influence outcomes. Note Proverbs 16:1,2,9 flowing from Psalms 37:3-8.

We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives… We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Proverbs 16:1-2,9 (NLT)

Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm. Psalms 37:3-8 (NLT)

Patience rests on trust in the Lord, a character quality built on a lifetime of walking with God, through good times and bad times. Someone said, patience is faith taking its time. Patience is fundamental to the journey from dream to destiny. Patience is developed through interruptions, delays and irritations (longlines, traffic etc). Microwave mindsets are anti-patience. Let us take heed to Proverbs 19:2 and Job 14:14.

Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes. Proverbs 19:2 (NLT)

Can the dead live again? If so, this would give me hope through all my years of struggle, and I would eagerly await the release of death. Job 14:14 (NLT)

Shalom.

Pastor Afolabi Oladele