Who likes to wait for what we need or want? Basically—nobody. 

 

Of those nine elements that make up the Fruit of the Spirit, patience may be the hardest. 

 

Romans 8:25 says, “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” And patience is learned, which makes it one of the sweetest fruits the Spirit gives us. Waiting for a payoff of some kind makes the end result that much more rewarding, and life teaches us that. 

 

A childless Hannah endured mocking and ridicule, but the Bible tells us in First Samuel that she prayed, and she waited. Imagine how she felt when the date of her delivery drew near. She eventually had several children, but it was her patience in waiting on Samuel that made all the difference. 

 

If you’re waiting for something very important, read and meditate on the Fruits of the Spirit, especially patience. 

 

Let’s pray. 

 

Lord, give us the patience of Hannah when we’re frustrated by waiting, and teach us humility in the process in Jesus’ name, amen.