“…The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:8-9
The Fruit of Patience
One day recently, I was driving along a 5-mile stretch of a 2-lane road. As far as the eye could see (which was at least a mile in each direction), no cars were ahead of me, and no cars were behind me. My cruise control was set for the speed limit and I was relaxed.
As a car approached an intersecting side road, I thought, “I’m glad there is obviously such a long, open space behind me for him to pull into. He doesn’t have to try to merge between cars somewhere!”
But, no! For some reason I could not fathom, he wanted to be in front of me. He pulled out just as I approached the intersection, causing me to brake hard. Then he proceeded to mosey along at tractor speed until, I suppose, his car warmed up enough to approach the speed limit.
This irked me. If I was a person who easily showed my feelings, I might have honked my horn just to let him know how irritated I was, and how dangerously wrong he was. Though I slowed my car, I did not immediately slow my heart’s reaction.
Soon, though, the Holy Spirit put a check in my mind, and I prayed, “Lord, give me patience!” I began to think of how nice it would be if God suddenly would give us patience whenever the need arose, so we would always exhibit a Christ-like attitude. I wanted a gift. I wanted a fix-it. I wanted Him to just hand it to me when I needed it.
But I felt Him nudge me with these words: “Patience isn’t a gift; it’s a fruit.” Fruit grows through long seasons and is sweetest when it is mature. Though I wanted patience handed to me on a silver platter with no effort on my part, God wasn’t going to serve me my fruit this way. He prunes and nurtures and allows it to grow over long seasons.
I’ve seen progress over the years. My reaction wasn’t what I wish it was—immediate, heartfelt, understanding, and full of grace—but it isn’t what it used to be, either. I know He works through all life’s situations to mold us into the image of His Son.
And one area I DO see progress in: rather than continuing to be irritated for more than a minute about that insignificant delay, I can express my thanks for what He DID give me: protection from an accident and hurting someone who likely just misjudged a distance.
“Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus.” Romans 15:5
“Lord, thank You for nurturing the fruit of patience in our lives. Develop Your character in us, in whatever way You know is best. Amen.”
So true…thank you!
Thank you for the reminder that patience is not an instant gift but rather develops as we go through trials and instances to help us as believers to develop patience. I am going to share this reading with my son at his work today since he has been going through a trial for many months. Thankfully, he too trusts in God, and sees God’s good work in his life through his trial.
What a GREAT point! It’s not a gift, it’s a fruit. I need to remember this. Thank you.
I really needed this devotion! I’m waking up from 3 hours of sleep and a constant night of fretting.
Thank you!
Awesome!
Exactly ! Thank you!!
Sometimes when I read these devotions I think you ladies must be talking straight to me. Today if feels like she even knows me and through the Holy Spirit is speaking to me personally! I’ve always been very careful not to pray for patience because I know that trials and tests are necessary, but I never thought of it as a fruit that is developed and ripened through those tests. Wow! I will save this one to my Bible and re-read often. Thank you for listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your writing.