Daily Devotional
Victory Comes Through Patience
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Romans 5:1-5
January 25, 2024
Ponder This
What is patience? Not the ability to thread a needle. Not the ability to finish a crossword puzzle. No, the word patience means “endurance.” When the crisis comes, it doesn’t make you; it reveals what you’re made of. How many people would say, “Pastor, I want strength. I want victory. I want prosperity. I want contentment.” We know just about everybody wants those things. But if I were to ask how many of you want patience, how many would speak up? However, you’ll never have these other things without patience, steadfastness, and endurance. Tribulation works patience.
You will never learn much of anything of worth if you don’t have endurance and patience. If you want to learn how to play the piano, you’re going to have to learn the scales. If you’re going to learn Greek, you’re going to have to study the verbs. If you want to build character, you’re going to have to persevere; you’re going to have to endure. There is no instant maturity. Conversion brings conflict and conflict is meant to teach continuance and constancy. The Bible calls it patience.
- Why is patience so difficult for us? How does God grow us in patience?
- When have you had to practice patience in your walk with the Lord? What have you learned from this?
Practice This
Pray and ask God to grow patience and endurance in you.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
