INTRODUCTION

The previous devotion explored the importance of patience in the life of the believer. That study revealed how God's word challenges us to have boldness and to pray for patience. Today's study reveals why Christians are frequently taught not to ask or pray for patience. The scripture points out a four step process by which the believer increases in hope. This process includes wonderful aspects like patience, experience, and hope; however, the step preceding patience troubles most believers. “Tribulation worketh patience” (Romans 5:3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
See All...). Since patience develops through enduring times of difficulty, the difficulties present the best opportunity to gain true patience. James reinforces this truth by stating that “the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
See All...). People should not be discouraged from praying for patience since the inevitable tribulation and trials develop the patience, experience, and hope that God desires in the Christian's life.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Samuel anointed David to be Israel's second king while Saul was still on the throne. David waited for God to remove Saul although Saul repeatedly tried to kill David. When David became king, the trials and tribulations helped him to wait on God when his own son Absalom tried to take his throne away.
• (For everyone):  “Ye have need of patience”  (Hebrews 10:36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
  See All...), but do you love God enough to go through tribulations in order to attain to the patience that God would have for you? Are you willing to endure the trials to gain the necessary patience?
• As a believer you will never experience the hope you want without allowing God's process described in Romans 5:3-5 [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.
  See All... to develop it in your life. Do you ever wonder why Paul would say that he gloried in tribulations (Romans 3:5But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)
  See All...)?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to help you more fully comprehend the benefits of patience.
• Ask God to give you a heart like Paul’s concerning tribulations.

HYMN

Have Thine Own Way, Lord!

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