DATE POSTED
Tuesday, June 23, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Feel free to read the following scriptures in your Bible.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 ~ It is better to finish something than to start it. It is better to be gentle and patient than to be proud and impatient. (ERV)

Hebrews 10:36 ~ You must be patient. After you have done what God wants, you will get what he promised you. (ERV)

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

Most of us can recall unfortunate moments in our lives when we became quickly angered, frustrated, or filled with rage. In those moments, we may have said or done things that harmed ourselves, hurt others, or damaged property around us. More often than not, those actions were fueled by impatience. We felt circumstances were beyond our control or moving in a direction that did not fit our plans.

What is interesting is that we can see traces of this behavior even in infants. They quickly learn how to get our attention, and when that no longer works, they often respond with a temper tantrum. As we grow older, those same tendencies remain. The difference is that we gradually learn that we cannot always have our own way.

The Struggle of Unbelievers

As I studied today’s lesson, I found it fascinating that Solomon connects impatience with pride. Before Christ, many of us believed we were capable of handling life on our own. We had our plans, our goals, and our timelines. When someone or something stood in our way, it disrupted everything we had envisioned and often caused great frustration. Those old “tantrums” would resurface, taking control of our words, actions, and emotions, often leaving us disappointed in ourselves afterward.

The Believer’s Struggle

However, as I reflected on this lesson, I couldn’t help but think about believers who still struggle with impatience. What happens in this case?

Let me quickly remind you that followers of Jesus Christ still sin. As long as we live on this earth, Satan will do everything he can to discourage, distract, and pull-down God’s children. Yet there is something wonderfully different about the believer.

Look again at Hebrews 10:36. What an encouragement! We are reminded that our greater reward awaits us. No matter what hardships we face here on earth, those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ and accepted Him as Lord and Savior have something the world does not possess—we have hope.

The Difference

The Bible assures believers of an eternal hope. Praise God!

For the Christian, joy truly comes in the morning—the day we will stand face to face with our King. Our trials are temporary. Our reward is eternal.

For those who have chosen to ignore the precious blood shed by Jesus for the forgiveness of their sin, things only get worse. Instead of joy in the morning, their just reward from their master will be even more intense pain, suffering, and eternal damnation in Hell with Satan.

Now What?

I believe God’s Word is clear.

For the believer in Jesus Christ, we are called to patiently endure until He comes again or calls us home. While we wait, we are to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in encouraging one another toward love and good works. We must be especially mindful of those we love and care for who have chosen to live without Christ. We must stand ready and willing to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit in helping them across the finish line. We want them in heaven with us, but how will they know or get there if we don’t tell them about Jesus?

For those who are content with living apart from Christ, I lovingly encourage you to remember that there are only two eternal destinations. the only alternative to heaven is eternity with the Evil One in Hell, with he and his demons.

The wonderful news is that this does not have to be your future. Jesus made a way through His death, burial, and resurrection. The decision to receive Him must be made while you still have breath.

The purpose of these devotionals is not to condemn, but to encourage. Life is not promised beyond this very moment. If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, I encourage you to make that decision today.

Patiently waiting for Christ is far better than impatiently chasing the things of this world. One leads to temporary satisfaction; the other leads to eternal joy!

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience with me. So many times I have wanted things my way and according to my timetable. Forgive me for the moments when impatience, pride, and frustration have controlled my thoughts, words, and actions.

Help me to trust Your plans, Your timing, and Your purpose for my life. Teach me to patiently endure the challenges of this world while keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus and the eternal hope that awaits me.

Lord, place upon my heart those who do not yet know You. Give me courage, wisdom, and compassion to share the Good News with them. May my life reflect Your love and point others toward the salvation found only in Christ.

Until the day You call me home, help me to faithfully wait, faithfully serve, and faithfully trust. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!