“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.” 2 Peter. 1:5-7.
An ancient Chinese folklore tells of Old Tan Chang who had a small farm overshadowed by a towering mountain. One day he got the notion to get rid of the mountain. With the help of his wife and sons, he began to hack at the rock around its base. A neighbour walked by and scoffed, laughing hysterically. “You will never finish the job, old man! There are not enough days in your lifetime for you to do this.” But Tan replied confidently, “I am not as foolish as you think, my friend. I may be old and feeble, but after I am gone, my sons will continue to peck away at the mountain. Then their sons and their sons’ sons will do the same.”
Tan Chang continued, “Since the mountain cannot grow, someday it will be level with the ground, and the sun will shine upon our land again no matter how long it may take.” Imagine such resilience and duggedness in his thoughts and mindset. He had a dream and desire that transcends him and his generation. He wants to see the problem solved even if not in his time but the lifetime of his children’s children. What is so important is that the mountain is brought low and the Sun shines upon his community again. Many of the problems we cannot eliminate instantly can be moved one piece at a time, one day at a time.
The pursuit of instant gratification is the secret impatience. We have to fight this urge for instant gratification, some of the time ingratitude is behind instant gratification. People who show gratitude cope better with delayed gratification. Next time you’re frustrated, think of something you’re grateful for. This will help calm you down so you can make better decisions. At other times there’s nothing you can do to change a situation. In those cases, impatience solves nothing. Once you accept the conditions of the present moment, everything becomes more bearable. Little acts of self-control can help you get used to discomfort, you must cultivate self control.
FURTHER READING:
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter. 4:7-8.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James. 1:12.
DECLARATION:
Dear Abba Father, thank You for another day in the land of the living. Lord, I submit my tendencies to act impulsively and respond more out of feeling or emotions than God’s leading to You. I ask that you help me to pause in self-control as I call upon your Spirit to guide me. From henceforth, I consciously make the decision to give patience to those around me as you so generously give patience to me. Help me to act wisely, think deeply and wait patiently before I do anything in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
John. 16:1-33. John. 17:1-26. John. 18:1-40.
QUOTE FOR THE DAY:
“The Control Centre Of Your Life Is Your Attitude. Whether You Go Up Or Come Down Is Determined By Your Attitude.”
The Fortress Int’l Church, 2 Floor 10 Coker Road, Opposite Chicken Republic Ilupeju Lagos, Nigeria. http://www.thefortresschurch.com. Email:info@thefortresschurch.com.
