Be a patient pilgrim
Psalm 84:5-7 (NKJV)
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
We have spent a chunk of time looking at these verses, and hopefully they have inspired you concerning the pilgrimage of your life. As I said yesterday, we are often in a hurry when God is not; we cannot make a slow-cooking God live in our too often microwave way of doing things. Pilgrimage (journeying with God) produces many things when God is the author of it: if it is a delay or opposition sent to slow you down by man or satan then kick that thing out the way and charge on through in Jesus' name, but if it is a journey ordained by God learn to smell the flowers and find the value in the whole road trip.
The journey will create appreciation, it will also create faith as you continually trust in God while still on route. When we talk of faith we should always look around for its best friend, patience. I like faith more and would like to hang out with it on its own! The problem is that God most often sends them as a team, because patience produces a lot too - and together they produce greatness. Let's think about the power of patience this morning (the art of waiting for something).
Galatians 5:22–23 (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Remember, patience is a fruit of the Spirit not a gift - it is grown, rather than given. Like any fruit it grows slowly, not suddenly appears.
Hebrews 6:12 (NIV)
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
The Bible tells us to imitate people of faith and patience, not just faith but those who can trust God and wait for His perfect timing. When we choose to walk in faith and patience we will inherit everything God has promised. Remember, God works in the delay and the things He has promised are so worth waiting for. Keep away from shortcuts that produce look-a-likes, and hang out for the genuine which comes from the very hand of God. Hey, to be honest with you patience was never my favorite fruit - I would have loved for God to give it to me as an instant download! Trouble is, He would not. Why? Because He knows that patience does us good, and when we have it and mix it with our faith incredible things start to happen.
Bless you; I pray you have a great week and you experience great things. Keep dreaming big, keep journeying with Him and may patience be grown in each of us in greater measure.
HIS TIMING IS ALWAYS PERFECT!
Andy
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