“The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it” (Arnold H. Glasgow). I so agree. Patience is an indispensable ingredient of a peaceful, happy life. Imagine the mistakes which would not have happened had you been more patient. Think of the unnecessary anguish you have suffered because you lacked patience. How many friends or family members have you driven crazy or driven away because you had too little patience? What better life and more intense joy could you have gained had you been more patient?

One day I will have more patience. I can’t wait! Patience is essential to the character of every believer in Jesus.

Patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit (Ecclesiastes 7:8).

It is how we wait for the Lord (Psalm 40:1).

It is what love is (1 Corinthians 13:4).

It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5).

It is how we walk in a worthy manner (Ephesians 4:2).

It is a goal of the power we receive for holy living (Colossians 1:11).

It is how we should be to everyone (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

It is the key to endurance (1 Peter 2:20).

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” If we pay close attention to nature, we see amazing illustrations of this virtue. It is as if God ordered all of his creation in a way to teach us one simple lesson, “Good things come to those who wait.”

Did you ever sing this children’s song?

Have patience, have patience.
Don’t be in such a hurry.
When you get impatient, you only start to worry.
Remember, remember that God is patient, too
And think of all the times when others have to wait for you.

“Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary” (Isaiah 40:31).

Norman Drummond, Chaplain