Encouragement for Today - September 12, 2025
Taking the Slow Route
LINDA SEABROOK, COMPEL Pro Member
Lee en español
“Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” Ecclesiastes 7:8 (ESV)
I’ve been through the same routine every workday morning for weeks. I hop in the car, hoping my usual route won’t leave me in stalled traffic again. But the construction workers don’t seem to care that I have somewhere important to be. Instead, they block off lanes and hold up that “slow” sign.
I admit it. I’m an impatient person. I’m no good at waiting in traffic, grocery store lines, or drive-thrus. Perhaps I can also blame our culture — with just a click, we can shop, order dinner, and connect with friends, all without waiting.
However, the Scriptures often speak to the wisdom that comes in waiting. Ecclesiastes 7:8 tells us, “Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”
According to this verse, pride and impatience have a lot in common. When we are impatient, we prioritize ourselves and our agendas. We may even disregard loving God and loving others because our plans matter most to us.
In my impatience, I get easily frustrated when others don’t operate according to my timeline, and I quickly show my disapproval. Another big problem is that impatience can escalate in no time at all. Suddenly huffs and puffs turn into angry words I wish I could take back.
In my struggle, I often have to remind myself of the patience God displays. The Lord reminded Moses of His faithfulness and patience toward Israel in the book of Exodus. Many psalmists praised God for His mercy, grace, patience, and abounding love. The prophet Nahum told the unrepentant city of Nineveh that God is “slow to anger” (Nahum 1:3, ESV). Both Paul and Peter spoke of God’s patience even toward those who do not believe (Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9).
Growing in patience is an act of humility. We learn to be others-focused instead of self-focused. We trust that God is in control. We realize that He is never in a hurry and that He will complete His work in and through us, making us more like Himself.
Learning to be patient in small things will ultimately prepare us to be patient in big things. When we shift our focus from frustration to faith, we can believe that God uses everything in our lives for our good and His glory.
Even traffic jams.
Tomorrow I will take that same route to work. I’ll probably sit in traffic. I may even watch a construction worker wave his “slow” sign once again. Yet hopefully, this time, I will wait quietly and patiently, remembering that because of God’s patience with me, I am forgiven, redeemed, and loved.
Dear God, thank You for Your patience that offers forgiveness, mercy, and grace. May I show the same patience as You complete Your purpose in my life, even when I fail to understand. May I trust that You are working all things together for my good. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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ENGAGE
Today’s devotion writer, Linda Seabrook, is a COMPEL Pro member and a winner of the annual Encouragement for Today Devotion Writing Challenge. To find out more about COMPEL Pro’s writing challenges and how to become a member today, click here.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Romans 12:12, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (NIV).
How is God currently teaching you to grow in patience? We’d love to hear your thoughts — share them in the comments!
© 2025 by Linda Seabrook. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
