For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie.
If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. (Habakuk 2:3, English Standard Version)
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22 – 23, English Standard Version)
Theme: The Wisdom of Discipline
Title: Discipline and Development
Reflection:
In my life’s journey, practicing patience has been key to my development. I continue to practice patience because my journey is one that is not without its challenges. As a result, patience has become a strength in my faith walk. I want to look at the definitions of discipline and patience to illustrate the fact that these two terms are two sides of the same coin. In fact, one cannot be fully understood without the other.
Discipline is defined as “the intentional training of one’s mind and body to remain steady, focused and committed in the face of challenging situations, circumstances, and people.” Discipline adds structure to life to guard against distractions that can veer us off course.
Patience is defined as “the spiritual ability to endure discomfort, delay, or difficulty without losing composure, faith and peace”.
If discipline and patience are two sides of the same coin, then the spiritual discipline of patience is one priceless component! It’s a divine currency used to hold oneself steady and still in faith; helping to avoid acting out of frustration, anger, or haste. This allows quiet trust in God‘s holy timing while intentionally waiting, poised with His power, and working with discipline towards your goals. And, He’s not just working on the promises, He’s working on you!
Conclusion:
If the outcome of your disciplined efforts “seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come!’ You are not forgotten! You are not behind! You are right on time! How have you developed through patience? I would love to hear your thoughts.
Contributor: Dr. Toni Mayers-Winfield
April 11, 2025 at 5:51 am
My faith journey had a period of significant growth over the course of over a decade while learning to wait on God. I knew I had heard God say it would happen but as I waited at times it seemed so close, but then impossible, then within reach only to feel all doors where closed. During that time I questioned what I had heard from the Lord. I would pray and hear, be still. Then after 13 years it came to pass. The patience I learned during that time has stayed with me and given me discipline in other areas of my spiritual journey.
April 11, 2025 at 7:08 am
My walk in life has developed through conscious practice and by cultivating specific habits and mental strategies like meditation on Gods word. This includes recognizing personal triggers for impatience, practicing mindfulness, and actively choosing to respond with patience rather than reacting impulsively.
I’ve also developed practicing active engaged listening to someone as well as learning to forgive others and myself. Express gratitude:
I try focusing on the positive aspects of my life and acknowledging the things I am grateful for. The glass is always half full.
April 12, 2025 at 7:38 am
I think I’m learning and continuing to grow in my faith and spiritual life as I walk each day with the Lord. I think the past 10 years, especially during covid pandemic, I’ve learned and understood that being patient and accepting of situations that I have no control over, drew me closer to the Lord . These virtues made me more grateful, and appreciative of small things that very often than not were taken for granted. Forgiving those who have wronged me and forgiving also myself was part of my growth process. I’m glad there is the word of God, my Pastor, Christian friends, loved ones and relatives who were praying , ministering, and encouraging me all the time. They contributed to my growth and for who I am now and where I am now in my faith and relationship with the Lord. At this stage of my life I feel I became more at peace with my life and became more patient as compared when I was much younger. Thanks to God’s mercy and grace, as well as the awareness of the Holy Spirit ‘s presence in my life journey.
April 13, 2025 at 12:38 pm
I have developed thru patience by watching God work everything out in His time and not one moment sooner.. I endured years of unemployment and then underemployment when I first moved to the United States and it was one of the most frustrating periods of my life. At the same time I was dealing with severe challenges related to a loved one. All of it was resolved over a period of time by the grace of God Almighty. When I look back at those bitter years there is no way I could have foreseen this victorious outcome. It tells me God is working, even when nothing seems to be happening or things appear to be getting worse. Every wave of adversity I face I now know there is a beginning and an end to it. I cannot hurry along adversity so I am learning to be patient. I sometimes repeat the verse “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1Timothy 6:6) to remind myself of the correct attitude to have. Patience has to be really crucial in the Christian experience otherwise why would God take so long sometimes if HE wasn’t trying to develop this fruit in me/us?