Patience is a virtue we all respect—that is, until we have to exercise it in our own lives. Dr. Stanley lays out the truth plainly: Patience is indispensable to our ability to obey God and receive His best for us. It may feel excruciating to wait upon the Lord, but that’s exactly when He renews our strength. (Isaiah 40:31)
Sermon Outline
Waiting is hard. It’s natural to want to take control of our circumstances, but God knows what’s best for us. We just need to trust Him. Dr. Stanley reminds us this week that patience is essential to receiving the best our loving heavenly Father has for us.
Key Passage: Galatians 5:22-23
Supporting Passages: Psalm 27:14; Psalm 32:8; Psalm 37:7; Psalm 40:1; Isaiah 40:31; Luke 24:49
When you need to take a step or make a decision, do you wait for God’s direction or go ahead with whatever you think is right?
► “Walking in the patience the Holy Spirit provides affects every single thing we do.”
Patience is …
Fruit produced by the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).
Essential for waiting on God and receiving His best (Ps. 27:14).
Something that requires us to rest in God and trust Him (Psalm 37:7).
A gift that goes with trusting in Him (Psalm 40:1).
What do we need in order to cultivate patience?
Discernment
A love for God
Courage to obey
Determination to wait (Ps. 32:8)
“God knows that we don’t know what to do. He’s there to show us.”
Why is patience essential to experiencing God’s best?
It’s essential to obedience—To do what God requires, we must sometimes be willing to give up personal desires.
It’s essential to relationships—Since we all make mistakes, patience is required in dealing with other people. It also helps us to wait for the appropriate timing in any situation (Isa. 40:31).
It’s essential to seeing God work—Our timing is very different from God’s. Waiting is often necessary before we see Him bring a situation to His chosen resolution.
► “God loves us and only wants the best for us. When He says ‘wait,’ what He’s doing is loving us.”
After Watching
Think about a decision you’re facing right now. Have you asked God for wisdom and direction? Are you willing to wait for His answer, even if it takes longer than you’d like?
Do the people who know you best—your spouse, children, friends, coworkers—consider you a patient person? Sit down with one or two people this week and ask them where you could grow in this important trait.
