Introductory Thoughts
Oftentimes the right solutions do not resolve the problems overnight—consider Noah, the ark, and the flood. Patience is a necessity! They all knew God’s plan involved drying the earth and sending them forth from the ark. No doubt, each passing day made it increasingly difficult to wait upon the Lord to resolve the problem that kept them locked in the ark. A man who demands a hasty solution to his problems often fails to find God’s ultimate solution. God’s solutions almost always require time and patience. The problems arose over a period of time and finding their solutions takes time also. The areas of life where troubles most often appear (i.e., sin, family, job, finances) are rarely solved apart from time and patience.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): The book of James tells us that Job went through his trouble with patience (James 5:11). Even though he did not understand why his problems came upon him, he waited for God to answer and he is an example for us. Read Job 1:20-22; Job 2:9-10.
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(For everyone): What problems are you currently facing? Is there a solution that would solve the problem but require patience? Are you willing to exercise the necessary patience to solve your problems?
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How could hasty solutions create new problems? Why do we often desire quick, easy solutions rather than godly solutions that may not offer immediate gratification?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to increase your patience.
- Ask God for wisdom in problem solving.
Song
BE STILL, MY SOUL
