And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (Luke 24:39)

The mark of our western society is its desire for immediate gratification. It is a culture where people have grown accustom and to expect service in an instant, satisfaction without waiting and convenience above cost. Some of the most disturbing and unsettling words spoken in this culture are “no” and “wait.” Our scripture passage today reminds us how God patiently works in the life of the believer to fulfill and accomplish His plan and purpose. God is a patient God and He “worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: that we should be the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ” (Eph 1:11-12). God, in His patience accomplished His plan for the salvation of man and the birth of the Church. God works according to His plan and in His timing. The Bible declares that “the fullness of time…God sent forth His Son” (Gal 4:4), and also “the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ” (Eph 1:10). God works His plan Perfectly, Powerfully, Personally and Patiently in all things for His glory. Jesus is a perfect example of God’s patience. He patiently demonstrated faith in the Fathers will for His life as He faced challenges, conflicts, and confrontations. He endured suffer, separation and solitude to honor and glorify the Father. He was forsaken yet remained faithful. He was accused yet accepted all who came to Him in faith. He was broken, but never bitter. Patience is a virtue by which we come to know the heavenly Father and glorify Him by faith in Jesus Christ. Through faith in His patience, we may know the sufficiency of His grace and His perfect strength in our weakness (2 Cor 12:9). My friend, “tarry…until ye be endued with power from on high” and trust God’s patience that you may be “made perfect in love” (1 Jn 4:18). Father, thank You for Your patience as You work Your plan in my life. Encourage my faith with confidence to proclaim, “that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil 1:6). Father, we love You, we praise You, and adore You. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.