The Power of Patience

The Power of Patience: Trusting God with Your Finances and Life

Proverbs 21:5 says, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” This verse reminds us that patience, diligence, and steady growth are key to both financial and spiritual success. However, patience is often one of the hardest fruit of the Spirit to cultivate and grow because it requires time. We all need more time and the answer to needing more time is simple. Slow down and eliminate hurry. There is no easy microwave option for patience and it will quickly show. In a world driven by instant gratification, learning to wait and trust in God's timing can feel counterintuitive and seem hopeless. But when we allow God to work in us and grow our patience, the rewards are far greater than anything we could achieve by rushing ahead.

Patience as a Fruit of the Spirit

Patience is a virtue that God deeply values. It’s not just about waiting but learning to trust that God is working on a process in us as He knows what is best for us in every season of life. Galatians 5:22-23 lists patience as a fruit of the Spirit, showing that it is something God actively grows within us through His Spirit. Just as we develop patience in relationships and personal growth, God also teaches us patience in our financial lives. This growth often happens gradually, as God works in our hearts and lives to prepare us for the blessings He has in store. This can be seen simply in compounding interest in our finances and just constantly repeated by God.

One of the key reasons patience is so crucial is that we are not always ready for what we desire. This is why the process of waiting can help us prepare for what God has in store for us. When we choose to love God more than money or anything in the world, we quickly see that all aspects in our lives. Sometimes, God delays certain blessings because He knows we need time to grow, mature, and learn before we can handle them. Whether it's financial abundance or spiritual breakthroughs, rushing the process can lead to harm or missed lessons. Nowhere in life does God promise us to have financial abundance or blessings that are material but rather He wants our heart to love Him more than anything. Patience is God's way of building our trust and preparing us for what's to come.

Biblical Examples of Patience (and Impatience)

Consider the story of Joseph, who endured years of hardship before God elevated him to a position of power in Egypt. Sold into slavery, imprisoned unjustly, and forgotten by those he helped, Joseph showed remarkable patience and trust in God throughout his trials. He didn’t rush or try to take shortcuts to success. Instead, he allowed God to work in His time, and when the moment was right, Joseph was ready to step into his calling. His patience allowed him to become a wise steward, not only of his own life but of an entire nation’s resources.

On the other hand, we see the consequences of impatience in King Saul. In 1 Samuel 13, Saul grew impatient waiting for the prophet Samuel to offer a sacrifice before battle. Instead of trusting in God's timing, Saul acted rashly and offered the sacrifice himself. His impatience and disobedience cost him his kingdom. Saul's story shows us how dangerous impatience can be, leading to poor decisions and missed opportunities for God's greater plan.

How Patience Helps You Trust God More with Your Finances

Patience plays a central role in our financial lives. When we are patient, we make better and more prudent decisions, avoid unnecessary debt, and allow time for our investments to grow. Proverbs 13:11 (NIV) – “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”—

Trusting God with your finances means acknowledging that He is the source of all your needs. Patience helps you rely less on your own ability to accumulate wealth quickly and more on God's wisdom and timing. When you exercise patience, you are telling God, "I trust that You know what’s best for me, and I’m willing to wait for Your plan to unfold." being content with what you have.

By simplifying your finances—spending less, saving diligently, and giving generously—you create space for God to work in your life. Financial minimalism, combined with patience, allows you to break free from the pressure of keeping up with others or accumulating more. It shifts your focus from the temporary satisfaction of material wealth to the lasting joy found in God’s provision.

How to Grow Patience: Practical Steps for Life and Faith

Patience is often easier said than done. It’s one of those qualities we all know is important, but it can be incredibly challenging to cultivate in a world that encourages instant results. As mentioned earlier patience is a vital fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) that not only deepens our faith but also impacts every aspect of life, including our relationships, goals, and finances. If you're looking to grow in patience, here are some practical steps to help you develop this essential virtue.

1. Recognize Patience as a Spiritual Discipline

The first step in growing patience is to understand that it’s a process that God works within us. We cannot become patient on our own. We can try on our own but we will fail and only God and time can help us actually grow it. We can’t just "try harder" to be patient. Instead, we rely on God to cultivate this fruit in our hearts through His Spirit. Pray for patience and trust that God will provide opportunities for you to grow in it. Often, these opportunities come in the form of delays, challenges, or situations that require us to wait. Accept these moments as God’s way of refining you. Just like you cannot rush a good meal you cannot rush God’s patience.

2. Practice mindfulness and being present with God

Patience often involves slowing down and being fully present in the moment. When we’re always rushing toward the next thing, we lose sight of what God is doing in the here and now. Mindfulness—paying attention to the present moment without judgment—can help us practice patience. It allows us to embrace the process instead of anxiously waiting for the outcome.

In moments of frustration or waiting, take a deep breath and remind yourself that everything unfolds in God’s timing, not ours. This helps reduce stress and fosters an attitude of trust in God.

3. Embrace Delayed Gratification

One of the best ways to grow patience is to intentionally practice delayed gratification. This is especially relevant when it comes to finances, but it applies to many other areas of life as well. Instead of buying something immediately, try saving up for it over time. Delayed gratification teaches us self-control and helps us appreciate things more when they do come to fruition.

In your spiritual life, this might look like trusting that God’s answers to your prayers won’t always come right away. Just as Joseph waited years for his purpose to unfold, we, too, may need to wait for God's timing in our lives.

4. Reflect on Biblical Examples of Patience

Take time to study the stories of biblical figures who demonstrated patience and those who struggled with it. As mentioned earlier, Joseph is a powerful example of someone who trusted God’s timing even in the face of incredible hardship. On the other hand, Saul’s or Abraham’s impatience led to their downfall when they took matters into their own hands instead of waiting.

Learning from these examples can strengthen your resolve to be patient and remind you that waiting on God is always worth it, even when it’s difficult.

5. Set Long-Term Goals

One of the reasons patience is hard is that we often live with short-term mindsets. Setting long-term goals—whether spiritual, financial, or personal—helps us cultivate patience because we understand that good things take time. When we commit to a long-term vision, we’re less likely to get frustrated by small delays or setbacks.

For example, if you’re saving for a big financial goal, having a clear plan helps you stay focused and patient, knowing that each small step gets you closer to your destination. The same principle applies in your spiritual life. God may be working on something in you that takes time to fully develop. Time is essential and goals are key.

6. Focus on God’s Faithfulness

Remember that God has always been faithful, and He will continue to be. When you reflect on how God has guided and provided for you in the past, it becomes easier to trust Him in the present. Keeping a journal of answered prayers and moments where God came through can serve as a powerful reminder of His faithfulness. Not just answered prayers but also His nature and providence are enough of their own to give glory to Him because He is so faithful.

Patience grows when we fully trust that God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with our own plans. By focusing on His past faithfulness, we can be more patient in the present, knowing that He is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28).

7. Celebrate Small Wins

When you're working toward a goal that requires patience, celebrate the small wins along the way. If you’re trying to grow in patience with your finances, for example, acknowledge each step—whether it's sticking to your budget, paying off a small debt, or reaching a savings milestone. Recognizing these small victories helps maintain your motivation and encourages continued patience in the process.

8. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful antidote to impatience. When we’re grateful for what we already have, we’re less likely to feel the need to rush toward the next thing. Take time each day to thank God for the blessings in your life. This shifts your focus from what you’re waiting for to the good that’s already present.

9. Develop a Support System

Surround yourself with people who encourage and inspire patience. Whether it’s through a small group, a mentor, or friends who share your values, having a support system helps you stay grounded. These people can offer your perspective, encouragement, and even accountability as you grow in patience.

Conclusion: Patience Leads to Trust

Ultimately, patience helps us trust God more deeply. When we practice patience in our finances, relationships, and spiritual lives, we acknowledge that God is in control and that His timing is perfect. Patience gives us the space to wait for His best rather than settling for what we can grasp right now. Over time, it simplifies our lives because we stop striving in our own strength and start resting in God's provision.

In the end, patience produces more than just financial stability; it produces spiritual growth, maturity, and a deeper relationship with God. When we allow God to cultivate patience in us, we are not only better stewards of our money but also of the blessings He gives us in every area of life. As we embrace the fruit of the Spirit, we find that the real riches come not from possessions, but from a life of trust, peace, and contentment in God’s perfect plan.