Patience Over Power
Proverbs 16:32 (NLT) “Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.”
There is a 14th-century poem called “Piers Plowman,” written by William Langland, where the first written saying, “Patience is a virtue,” appears. However, King Solomon wrote about patience in the book of Proverbs around 970 BC.
- Patience is an attitude, not a position.
- No one gives you patience. It is a decision.
- If you ask God for Patience, He will give you tests, trials, delays, and opportunities where patience must surface for you to endure.
The New Testament also identifies patience as long-suffering. And long-suffering is one of the fruits of the Spirit. So why is patience also known as long-suffering? Because it is connected to your attitude when the event you want to happen is delayed.
People who are in powerful positions are seldom patient. They are used to getting what they want, when they want it, without delays. That kind of attitude is tainted and does not exemplify God’s glory (meaning God’s anointing cannot flow through them to others), nor does it reflect His character. People who have power often become selfish. God wants you to have His Character, which is reflected in the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22,23)
There is an old saying, “Never ask God for patience. If you do, He will send trials and problems to slow down your events.” Patience only grows through trouble, trials, and tribulations. You decide that God is bigger than your troubles. You decide to trust Him through your difficulties. And you believe that God, whatever needs to happen, will make sure it happens on time. Everything just mentioned is an attitude and decision to cast all your cares upon the Lord.
Be Blessed!
Ron
Ron Cobbs Ministries © Copyright September 16th, 2026, All Rights Reserved