Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city. 

For 2026 I am focusing on, Fruit of the Spirit. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are nine observable attributes that reflect the character of God. Found in the Bible (Galatians 5:22-23), they act as the visible evidence of a person’s spiritual growth and connection to Christ. These traits — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control — grow naturally as a unified whole in a believer’s life. 

Throughout the year, I am meditating on the nine characteristics at different times. Today we will focus on patience. I think it is important not only to have patience with things outside your control but also with yourself. Perhaps it’s trying to lose weight, or working on forgiveness, or finishing a goal. Generally meaningful things require patience and are not a quick process. Seeking God, knowing limitations, and allowing the process to run its course are key.

It is easy in our instant mentality to force the next step versus waiting patiently for the next step to happen in its own time. Today I challenge you to seek God with every step, every word, and every decision. Allow God to transform you from the instant mentality to thinking, speaking, and acting in God’s time. His ways are always pure and patient. When we’re sitting in a valley, we have God to patiently make the climb with us.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for being patient with me as I walk this life with You. I seek Your will for my life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

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