It’s Biblical – 10th September 2022

Key Text: “But the fruit of the Spirit is . . . longsuffering” (Galatians 5:22, NKJV)

Hope and meekness, as essential tools for overcoming crucibles, are both defined by waiting. However, the concept of biblical waiting is not only about waiting but also waiting with patience. This patience is not a political stratagem but is part of the fruit of the Spirit. God’s people wait patiently in the crucible, because God Himself is patient. God is patient because He is loving in character and because He also chooses the best moment to intervene. But that best moment is calculated by God to offer as much time as possible for the salvation of as many people as possible. Again, waiting is possible only when we trust the One for whom we are waiting.

Lesson Themes: This week’s lesson highlights two major themes.
1. We understand that patient waiting is part of the fruit of the Spirit and is crucial in our overcoming crucibles.
2. Waiting patiently becomes possible when we know and trust the person we are waiting for.

Thought Question: Why do we sometimes have to wait so long for things? What lessons can we learn about patience while in the crucible?