We all want and need changes in our lives, but we don’t always want to go through the process to allow and make them happen. It usually takes longer than we think it should, and there are always delays along the way. The question is, are we going to wait the wrong or right way? If we wait the wrong way, we’ll be miserable; but if we decide to wait God’s way, we can become patient and actually enjoy the wait. (Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.) It takes practice, but as we let God help us in each situation, we develop patience. Patience is one of the most important Christian virtues. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit. It’s developed only under trial, so we must not run from difficult situations. Because as we develop patience, the Bible says we finally feel complete, satisfied, and lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds. 3. Because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.) Even our relationship with God involves progressive changes. We learn to trust Him in a deeper way by going through many experiences that require us to wait longer than we’d like. Trust me, the waiting may be hard, but it will make you stronger. The benefits that patience brings are certainly worth any uncomfortable wait. Pastor Don [image: image.png]