patience – The Scriptural Truth

Living Life As God Intended

Psalm 90:10 “As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years, Yet their pride is only trouble and tragedy; For it quickly passes, and we disappear.”

Psalm 90:10 really got me reflecting about life. I’m turning 65 in a few weeks and the Psalm says that the days of our life are seventy years and maybe eighty years if we are in good health. Now, you can see how it got me thinking, 5 years from seventy, I’m getting close to the finish line here on earth. Five to fifteen years to go, that’s a short time. So, you can understand why it made me ask myself the question “Am I living life as God intended?” Folks, think about that question. Your answer is probably same as mine “I’m trying”!

Thoughts From 1 John 5:4

Good Morning! It’s Sunday and the beginning of a new week. We don’t know what this week will bring, but what whatever the world can throw at us, we already have VICTORY! 1st John 5:4 says, “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.” Folks, Jesus never promised that obeying Him would be easy. But the hard work and self-discipline of serving Him won’t be a burden to those who love Him. Even if your load starts to feel heavy, you can always trust Jesus to help you bear it. Have a great week!

Thoughts From Ephesians 6:19

“And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. [20] I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.”
Ephesians 6:19 – 20 NLT

When you think of courage, what kind of situations do you think of? Do you think of firefighters rushing into a burning building? Do you think of police officers chasing dangerous criminals? Do you think of soldiers fighting in enemy territories? Courage certainly does play a role in each of those situations. But courage is not just physical action.

Thoughts From 1 Peter 2:21-23

“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. [22] He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. [23] He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.”
1 Peter 2:21-23 NLT

As followers of Jesus, we may be wronged even though we don’t deserve it. We may be persecuted. We may be made fun of. But we are not to seek revenge. Jesus himself gave us the best possible example of this.

The people and soldiers made fun of Jesus. They pounded a crown of thorns onto His head, mocking His kinghood. They spit on Him. They stole and destroyed His clothes. And He never retaliated.

Jesus has the power of God. He could have called down an army of angels and completely destroyed His persecutors. But He didn’t. Instead, He calmly relied on God. And even as He hung on the cross dying, He used His precious breath to pray for the people who were crucifying Him.

If we ever need an example of turning the other cheek, this is it. Jesus gives us a perfect example of relying on the Father to set things right. Folks, because we love Jesus and are grateful for what He did for us on that day, we need to make every effort to follow His example.

Thoughts From Galatians 5:22

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”
Galatians 5:22 NLT

The Greek word that is translated “patience ” in this verse also means endurance, perseverance and restraint. When the Bible talks about patience, it’s talking about the supernatural ability to trust in God completely, even when we don’t understand what is happening in life.

Folks, being patient means that when things don’t go our way, we remain in control of our reactions, and that we don’t drive ourselves and others crazy trying to make things go our way. We are being patient when we peacefully endure unpleasant situations because we know that God is in control, that God has a plan.

We cannot be patient on our own. Patience requires the power of the Holy Spirit. Folks, patience is evidence of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. When you feel yourself becoming more patient, you know that God is working within you and that you are changing for the better.

I’ll leave you with these words… “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and always be in prayer.