Quotes about Patience

9In the same way I will not cause pain without allowing something new to be born," says the LORD.

If today starts to get hectic, take five minutes to be alone with God. If your work gets interrupted, ask God for patience to deal with the interruption and for endurance to finish the task.

He promises a lamp unto our feet, not a crystal ball into the future. 3 We do not need to know what will happen tomorrow. We only need to know he leads us and "we will find grace to help us when we need it" (Heb. 4:16 NLT).

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes" (Matt. 6:34 MSG). That

In the end it's not the flashy and flamboyant who survive. It is those with steady hands and sober minds.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, And whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought. (Jer. 17:7—8, emphasis mine)

On the Anvil

We would be wrong to think this change happens overnight. But we would be equally wrong to assume change never happens at all.

By giving us stories like Joseph's, God allows us to study his plans.

Begin by thanking God for thumps. Every thump is a reminder that God is molding you (Hebrews 12:5—8). 2. Learn from each thump. Look upon each inconvenience as an opportunity to develop patience and persistence. 3. Be aware of "thump-slump" times. Know your pressure periods. Bolster yourself with extra prayer, and don't give up. Remember, no thump is disastrous. All thumps work for good if we are loving and obeying God.

Trust God on this one—the short-term pleasure isn't worth the long-term consequences. If you find yourself in a tempting situation, take Paul's advice: run!

Sometimes God takes his time...