Scripture

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV)

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (James 1:2-3, NIV)

Study

The Christian life often involves waiting — for God's promises, for His answers, for the unfolding of His plan. Like the disciples on the way to Emmaus, disappointment may tempt a believer to despair when things do not unfold according to expectation: "Today is the third day, and He has not done it." Yet the New Testament reminds believers that spiritual growth and maturity are cultivated not through impatience or immediate results but through enduring faith and perseverance.

The Apostle Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit including patience and faithfulness. A mature believer learns that waiting is not passive; it is an active trust in God's timing and character. The testing of faith, though sometimes painful, is a refining process that produces steadfastness.

It can be tempting to focus on what God has not yet done, leading to dejection or even blame. However, such sorrow rooted in impatience misplaces the believer’s trust on outcomes rather than on the living God Himself. Prayer is an engagement with God, not merely a request for answers. God may not always respond according to human schedules or desires, yet He remains present, sustaining, and guiding.

Recognizing God's presence in ordinary daily duties and relationships, rather than only in dramatic signs, trains eyes to see His hand at work continually. Faith trusts not only in visible results but in God’s unchanging faithfulness. The discipline in this waiting summons believers to surrender demands, embrace God’s timing, and serve faithfully in the present moment.