Key Bible Verse: Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord (Psalm 27:14). Bonus Reading: Lamentations 3:24-26

Joe knew he was a fundamentally impatient person. It wasn't that he had bad values and wanted the wrong things in life; he just didn't know how to wait for what he wanted. And as an adult living in the real world, Joe wasn't getting what he wanted when he wanted it the way he used to as a kid.

As Joe grew in faith, he learned about the patience of God. He learned too about the patience of faith giants like Abraham and Moses—who went to their graves not fully realizing the work of their lives. Joe realized that his impatience was the cause of many conflicts in his life and tensions in his home.

Joe's prayer, worship, and reading of Scripture became a search for a new pattern of living. He asked God to help him gain a more relaxed attitude toward life. Gradually, this new attitude took root. Joe's habits changed so that he began to live life instead of attacking it.

His expectations of his kids and wife became more relaxed. He gave up the notion that he knew how many decades he would live and that he knew the perfect script for his life. His family relationships and friendships developed deeper roots. As a bonus, Joe slept better and had more energy.

—Mel Lawrenz in Patterns

My Response: Is my lifestyle too driven or too relaxed?

Thought to Apply: If the door is shut, don't put your shoulder to it. Wait till Christ takes out the key and opens it.—JOHN STOTT (British pastor)

Adapted from Patterns (Zondervan, 2003) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, You've never let me down in my past. So help me to really rely on You for my present and future.

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