In this powerful message, Ps. Les Cody explores the spiritual attribute of patience, a vital component of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. Drawing deeply from 1 Samuel 1, he highlights the life and character of Hannah, whose long-suffering and heartfelt prayers serve as a profound example of godly patience. Ps. Les also references other Heroes of Faith, showing how patience was a defining trait in their journey toward God's promises.

Throughout the message, Ps. Les contrasts the fruits of impatience—such as impulsiveness, complaining, self-reliance, and anxiety or fear—with the fruits of patience, which include calmness, strength, endurance, diligence, and a sense of being unbothered or at peace. He challenges believers to reflect on the state of their inner world and to learn how to rule over their spirit, a biblical concept that emphasizes spiritual maturity and emotional control.

The teaching provides practical steps for developing patience, not as a passive waiting, but as an active spiritual discipline. Ps. Les encourages believers to cultivate patience by embracing a kingdom perspective, practicing gratitude, choosing joy, and most importantly, surrendering control to God. These heart postures allow believers to endure trials with grace and hope.

A central and transformative point in the message is the understanding that suffering is not always a curse or a sign of God's absence, but can often be a response to prayer—a divine preparation for the promise to come. Just as Hannah’s barrenness led her into deeper dependence on God and ultimately to the birth of Samuel, our own times of waiting and struggle may be God's way of shaping us for something greater.

This message is a call to spiritual maturity, urging us to trust God's timing, submit to His process, and grow in the character of Christ through patience.

The vision of Mercy Culture is to take people from corporate encounters with God to daily personal encounters with God.

At Mercy Culture, one of our unique characteristics is that we are a presence driven church. We are not built around any person or ministry. We are built around the presence of God. Each week, you will hear a teaching from our Lead Pastors, Les and Nikki Cody or another leader in our community.

To learn more about Mercy Culture, visit https://mercyculturewaco.com