Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale Daily DevotionalSample

Patience Have you ever played, "What if I were God?" Have you ever imagined what you would do if God granted you His own authority and ability? What would you do with all that power? Would you make it a point to heal and bless the ones you love? Or would you go the extra mile for a complete stranger? Probably. But what about the person who curses you? How about someone who ripped you off, smacked you, beat you, and spit on you? What would you do with all that power then? If you're honest, blessing them probably wouldn't be foremost on your mind. In fact, you'd probably use that power to put an end to their persecution. And if the roles were reversed, they'd probably do the same to you. Now, aren't you glad you're not God? Aren't you glad that God is God? Aren't you glad the One who possesses ultimate power also possesses ultimate patience? If He didn't, if God wasn't patient and long-suffering toward us, the story of humanity would have ended a long, long, long time ago. But God is patient. Look at how He put up with the Children of Israel as they wandered in the wilderness for forty years. Look at the Nation of Israel as it went after other gods time and time again. Look at the Pharisees, who publicly opposed the Son of God with amazing intensity and regularity. Look at your own life and consider all the times God has been patient with you. Aren't you glad God is God, and aren't you glad God is patient? "The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness..." (Exodus 34:6 NKJV) Aren't you glad the One who possesses ultimate power also possesses ultimate patience? What does this passage reveal to me about God? What does this passage reveal to me about myself? Based on this, what changes do I need to make? What is my prayer for today?