The Ultimate Example of Patience: Jesus
Saturday’s Verse:
From Psalm 37:7 ESV
“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.”
I sat next to a retired pilot in the cancer center waiting area yesterday. As he fidgeted with his keyring, he found himself saying over and over, “What is taking so long?” Waiting is hard. Sitting in the cancer center waiting room, waiting on line to buy your groceries, and waiting on the Lord. Our natural man wants to do something. He can’t stand to sit still. Even a retired pilot who is used to speed, control, and precision can’t rush God’s timing. Neither can we.
Patience is more than just gritting our teeth until it’s over. In the Bible, patience means trusting God even when answers are slow in coming. When the psalmist says, “Be still before the LORD,” it’s an invitation to let go and rest in God’s unchanging goodness. To trust in His faithfulness, not our schedule, not our strength.
Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of patience. He endured the cross for us because He trusted the Father’s plan to save sinners. Because He has already defeated sin, death, and the devil, we can wait with hope and confidence. When we are patient, it’s not empty waiting. It’s trusting in God’s good promises.
So next time waiting is hard, remember this: God’s timing is never behind. His promises never come to nothing. Isaiah encourages us, “They who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, You waited on the Father’s will with perfect patience, even to the cross. Teach us to trust You in the waiting times of our lives. Give us faith that rests in Your promises, strength for each moment, and hope that looks to the day when all waiting will be over in Your eternal kingdom. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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