Wait For It!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control… - Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

Athletically oriented people want to see positive results quickly. We want to shoot extra free throws and see our FT percentage go up right away. I’m convinced that it is strategic that God inspired Paul to put patience right after love, joy, and peace. After completing the last three FOTS studies, on love, joy, and peace, and praying that God would grow these fruits in you, maybe you noticed some positive progress. Praise God! However, it may be that after the same “unlovable” opponent mistreated you a few more times. Love was the last thing on your mind. God’s Spirit is committed to growing patience in His children. Thank you Holy Spirit that it is Your work in me!

Here are a few good verses to pray as you head into your next game or training session where you might be tempted to be unloving, lack joy, or be anxious…

• Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
  • Ask God to help you to not give up loving others, choosing joy, or taking your anxious thoughts to Him in prayer.
• Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
  • If you’re looking for a good locker room quote to inspire and guide you, this verse would be a great one.
• It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. Psalm 119:71
  • Wait! What? Affliction is good for me? Yes because we can grow.

Training Exercise

1. Patience so often correlates closely to our willingness to wait on or trust in the Lord.
   In what area of your game (or life) do you need more patience?
2. Write down three ideas or suggestions that might help trigger patience when you are tempted to get anxious.
   Here is one to get you started: “WWJD. God’s plan is bigger than mine. Is it really important in light of eternity?”
3. We know this is a tough task for competitors. Work and pray together with another believer who understands your struggle.

One final thought, Noah spent decades obediently building the ark with plenty of opposition before a drop of rain fell; and he made into the Faith Hall of Fame found in Hebrews 11!

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.