PRAY OVER THIS
“But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness.” 2 Peter 1:5-6
PONDER THIS
When you observe babies, you can see they are often out of control. They often struggle with tantrums. If you have young children, you know that is true. Paul taught the importance of self-control. Are you under control? How about your sexual desires? How about your appetite for food? How about your sleep? How about your recreation? How about your quiet time?
Paul also mentioned patience or perseverance. That means steadfastness. Are you a patient person? Traffic jams, losing your keys, long lines, late airplanes, flat tires, interruptions, why do these things happen? I spilled something the other day. It went all over my stuff on my desk, ran all over into my papers that I had stacked up neatly and everything. I asked “Why God? What is the purpose of all of that? Why would that happen?” Then I thought, “Thank you Lord for that—if for no other reason than just to help develop my patience.” Things happen to us that we can’t explain. If we can just praise God for the unexplainable, we know and understand what real patience is.
What is more difficult for you: self-control or patience? Why?
How can small frustrating moments become opportunities to practice patience and self-control?
PRACTICE THIS
The next time you feel tested in your patience or self-control, turn to the Lord in prayer and use the moment as an opportunity to grow in your faith in Him.
LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers
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