Patience under Pressure

Patience is the quality of forbearance under provocation. It entertains no thoughts of retaliation, even when wrongfully treated.

2 Corinthians 6:4-6 In every way, we demonstrate that we are God's servants by tremendous endurance amid difficulties, hardships, and calamities; in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights, and hunger; with purity knowledge, patience, and kindness; with the Holy Spirit, love.

Colossians 1:11 You are being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you might patiently endure everything with joy.

The grace of God in the hearts of believers is God's power; there is glory in this power. The special use of this strength was for suffering. There is work to be done, even when we are suffering. All trials will soon end, and every believer will be found among those who come out of great tribulation.

Colossians 3:12-13 Therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Be tolerant of one another and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, you also should forgive.

Romans 5:1-4 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Responding Wisely to Life

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you are involved in various trials because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But you must let endurance have its full effect so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

Working through trying times with patience, ponder the problem, and seek God's direction.
Maintain control of your feelings and thoughts and stay calm.

Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that rules his spirit than he that takes a city.

"When the picture of our life ministry is not all we think it ought to be, perhaps the Master Artist is rescuing us from something far worse and preparing us for something far better."

To see burdens transformed into blessings takes much patience. Discover your identity in Christ on this path. He will make you into a godly visionary who "sees the invisible, chooses the imperishably, and does the impossible." Vance Havner

Measure your problems by the greatness of God, not by your weaknesses and inexperience. Problems are possibilities, and obstacles are opportunities.

No problems = no progress. Nor friction = no motion.