How do you develop patience? Through trouble! When your honesty seems to go unnoticed, when your hard work seems to go unrewarded, when your kindness is rendered without thanks, when your helping hand is offered and ignored, when even love is refused-that's when patience shines in all its beauty. Paul writes, 'Trouble produces patience.' You've seen this principle at work in the development of children. One child, overly shielded and protected, may grow up into a weakling without ambition and courage, destined to failure. Another, left to fight their own battles, to struggle, to learn through trial and error, may grow into near-perfect maturity. The same principle applies to the Christian life when you realize that each storm brings its blessings and each trial produces its rewards. Let's look at three practical benefits of patience: First, patience brings hope. 'Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled.' (Romans 15:4 NLT) Secondly, patience produces spiritual fruit. 'And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God's word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.' (Luke 8:15 NLT) Thirdly, through patience you receive what God has promised. 'Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith and endurance.' (Hebrews 6:12 NLT)
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