Abiding and Abounding

07/19/23 – 07/27/23

The Source of Your Impatience

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  07/23/23

As you search for comfort in your frustrations, learn how to identify the specific sources of impatience in your life. What are some common causes of impatience? Many times, impatience stems from a narrow worldview and unrealistic expectations. Sometimes we’re impatient when we don’t see God actively at work in our situation. Other times our priorities are off balance, and God is not at the top of our list.

Do you recognize any of these in your life? Do you feel angry when your spouse doesn’t go along with your plans? Are you frustrated easily when your schedule is changed or you are faced with a long wait? Or perhaps you have noticed that as you’ve grown more distant from the Lord, you have become more easily agitated in general. If you find yourself growing impatient with others, remind yourself that “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly” (Proverbs 14:29).

Ask God to teach you how to be patient in everyday life. Praise God for His amazing character. Thank Him for His patience with you, for withholding His wrath and sending His Son to die for your sins. By focusing on God, you will remind yourself that heaven is your real home, and then the little aggravations of this world will affect you less.

Prayer: Father, help me recognize the source of my impatience. Teach me how to be patient, especially in those situations that are most challenging for me. Thank You for being patient with me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12).