The older we get the more, the more experience of life we have. And the more we begin to realise what the really important things are. As we face trials and troubles, we should be maturing in wisdom and growing in patience. Our problems might not have changed, but our perspective should have.

Instead of worrying, we can be like Joseph and look back on experiences we thought we’d never get through and say to the opposition, ‘You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.’ (Genesis 50:20 NASB) Instead of complaining in bitterness, which only makes the problem worse and robs us of joy, we can see God’s hand at work and say: ‘His grace is sufficient.’ (See 2 Corinthians 12:9).

The word for today is—God wants you to become more patient! Patience is one of the nine fruit of the Spirit named in Galatians chapter five. But it’s a very slow-growing fruit that thrives best in the soil of troubles and trials. Some of us are like the lady who prayed, ‘Lord, give me patience, and I want it right now.’

James writes: ‘When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete.’ (James 1:3–4 NLT)

When you think about it, patience is simply trusting God with things like ‘how’ and ‘why’ and ‘when’. As you look back on some of the things you wanted so badly, you realise God kept you from getting into some major messes. Impatience is one of the dominant characteristics of children; it’s spiritual immaturity. So be patient!