After four hours of airport hospitality and 12 hours of air travel, I felt thankful to arrive to Krakow, Poland. I knew the road trip from Krakow to Lviv included nearly five hours driving in the car, yet noticed restless stirring within me as we waited at the country crossing. One hour became two, which developed into nearly three hours of waiting to travel across the border into Ukraine. God drew me to rest in His patience.
Patience – the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
Although I felt no anger in the delay at the border, I felt unsettled. Hmmm. I marveled at the ease of my Ukrainian companions. Marta and Dima sat in the front seat of the car with composure and serenity. They both work for UBTS, and Marta will also be one of my students this next week. They described the “delay” at the border as “not too long.”
I sense God inviting me into a depth of solidarity with my Ukrainian brothers and sisters. I marvel at the patience and grace of the Ukrainian people. I experienced the grace of unhurried living on the trip from Krakow to Lviv. We enjoyed sweet conversation and companionable silence during the trip. The Holy Spirit welcomed my restlessness and directed my soul to rest.
Take a moment and wonder about your capacity for patience. For what and to whom do you find yourself patient? What situations, people, and conditions become intolerable, surfacing anxiety, frustration, or impatience within your soul? Notice, without judgement upon yourself. Be curious with God.
I consider patience in the character of God. God, who is Love, is patient (1 John 4:16, 1 Corinthians 13:4). The Apostle Peter declares the reality that God is patient with each person’s faith journey (2 Peter 3:9). God does not rush us. A thorough reading of the Bible indicates the patience of God again and again with humanity. God lovingly calls me to a life in loving dependence upon Himself. He invites each of us to trust His timing and ways.
The Ukrainian people experienced the first invasion in February 2014 when Russia occupied the Crimean Peninsula. For Ukrainians, the war began then and has not ceased. The war escalated in February 2022, and continues with daily air strikes and combat. The people have cried out for an end to the war for 12 years. They wait, pray, and engage with patience.
As I explore patience within my soul, I find comfort and challenge in Psalm 37. Take a moment and soak in verses 3-9 with me. Let the Holy Spirit guide your prayer and pray for the Ukrainian people.
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.
When you notice the impact of impatience upon your life, take a moment to pray for peace in Ukraine. Demonstrate solidarity with those in the world under oppression and ask God for their release from the torment of war. Call upon God for freedom and relief for the downtrodden.
Proclaim dependence upon the trustworthy character of God, who is patient. Receive the rest of God for your soul in the unsettling situations of life. He is Faithful.
This week – – –
Reflect. Think back over your life – how has the Lord been patient with you? How does it feel to recognize the patience of God in your own story? Share gratitude with God for His patience presence in your life.
Request. Let Divine Love bring to your mind people or circumstances that evoke restlessness within you. Hold these with God. Ask the Lord to grow His patience within you. Pay attention to the ways the Spirit stirs your soul. How might our Triune God invite you to co-labor with Himself towards greater capacity for peace, perseverance, and praise?
Receive. King David opened Psalm 40: “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry” (vs. 1) and closed with “But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!” (vs. 16). Receive the truth that God hears our cries. God hears you! Rest in the reality that God is great, there is none greater. Take a moment of silence to rest in this truth. Our great God is with you.
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Romans 12:11-13 – Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
2 Peter 3:9 – 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.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Thomas Goodwin. The Practice of Patience. apuritansmind.com. 2024.
Sylvester Webster. God’s Perseverance: Unveiling the Endurance and Faithfulness of a Patient God. 2023.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Brandon Lake. Hard Fought Hallelujah. Click here to watch & listen.
Shai Linne. Lord of Patience. Click here to watch and listen.
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
April 24-May 3 – Lviv, Ukraine – Ukrainian Baptist Theological Seminary, The Care of Souls.
May 18-22 – Littleton, CO – Denver Seminary, Certificate in Spiritual Direction Cohort
May 30-June 13 – Quarryville, PA – Black Rock Retreat, Summer Camp Staff Training
July 6-10 – Littleton, CO – Denver Seminary, Certificate in Spiritual Direction Cohort
July 13-21 – Kigali, Rwanda – Soul Care Retreat and Training,
🙏 If you would like to partner with me through financial giving, click here to give a tax-deductible gift to The Soulcare Anchoress Fund. Thank you! 🌷