EVERY WORD OF GOD FOR DAILY LIVING BY PASTOR PAUL RIKA:
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR Holiness Revival Movement Worldwide
TITLE: BE PATIENT WITH GOD AND YOUR FELLOW MEN
FRIDAY, AUGUST 13th 2021
TEXT: Romans 5:1-5
1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Key verse: Proverbs 14:29. He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.
One of the attributes of God is patience (longsuffering). He is tolerant and very patient with sinners. He is neither quick to anger nor quick to judge. His patience flows from the abundance of His mercy. Lamentations 3:22-23 “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.” God wants his children to also share of His patience. It is one of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Unfortunately, human beings by nature are hardly patient with God or with themselves. Any time we desire something, we want it quick and fast. But God cannot be rushed into doing our will. He knows the best time to act and knows when not to act at all. If what you are asking for is not in your best interest, God will deny you. God will not give you a snake for fish.
Abraham and Sarah were impatient with God. When in their sight, God seemed to ‘delay’ in fulfilling His promise, they sought to ‘help God out’ as if God was handicapped. The result was disastrous for the family and for humanity. The birth of Ishmael caused a lot of strife in the family of Abraham. Even the world at large is still groaning under the pains of the product of their indiscretion (Genesis 16:12). Saul was an impatient king. At Gilgal, he offered an unauthorized sacrifice because Samuel delayed in coming (1 Samuel 13). For his impatience, he lost the kingship.
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31.
There is great wisdom in patience. Impatience with people causes misunderstanding and strife. Impatience leads to a hasty decision that often proves wrong with negative consequences. Without patience, it is difficult to walk with God or operate in the realm of faith. You need the patience to actualize God’s promise. “And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.” Hebrews 6:15. That is why the psalmist says, “I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.” Psalm 40:1-3.
Thought for the day: Patience is the product of wisdom. Have patience.
Song for the day: I will love, I will love…I will love Jesus people, I will…
Bible reading for the day: Psalm 96-98; Romans 12