READ: MATTHEW 11:28-30; 1 TIMOTHY 1:12-16; 2 PETER 3:8-18

“Just be a little more patient with me…all I’m asking is that you let me figure things out, let me grow, let me work on myself a little and become better at this…”

Have you ever been in a place where it felt like everyone was pushing you and no one had any patience when it came to your growth? Have you ever felt like you needed to do something great, and quick, or else everyone was going to cut you out?

When it feels like people are pushing you and refusing to be patient with you, know that God has a patience that goes beyond anything we could imagine. The Bible tells us that God desires for everyone to be saved. He wants all of us to put our trust in Jesus. He wants to transform us through the power of the Holy Spirit and guide us in doing the good works of His kingdom (Ephesians 2:10). He wants to work in our lives and help us become all we are meant to be. Yet, He is patient as He waits for us to grow.

God is not going to push you to move quicker than you can. He is not going to give up on you when your growth is slow. Instead, He has compassion on you. He invites you to rest in His peace and trust His gentle leadership as you grow at the pace that’s right for you. Sometimes, it might seem like you’re growing too slowly, while other times you might feel like God is leading you to grow faster than you expected, but just know that God created you, and He knows what you need. Through every milestone and every setback, He walks alongside you, and His love for you remains constant. He is patient—always. • Emily Acker

• Have you ever felt pressured to move at a pace that didn’t work for you? What was it like?

• Read Matthew 11:28-30. What kind of leader is Jesus? How might remembering that He is patient with us help us be patient with ourselves, and with those around us?

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)