August 19

Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; — Rom 5:3 BSB

Patience is a valuable lesson, and any school that teaches it is worth attending, no matter the cost. Few things in life are as important as learning patience. Many people destroy their greatest hopes because they lack it. Impatience in certain situations can result in losing everything, while patience in those same situations can lead to gaining everything. In this way, patience becomes the key to success in life. Learning this lesson is undoubtedly worth the effort.

Patience is often taught in the school of suffering. In these hard experiences, we learn to endure, to refrain from crying out in our pain, and instead, to sing through it. Richter tells of a little bird that is kept in darkness to learn new strains that it will later sing in the light. Many Christians are taken into dark periods of life where they learn the “songs of patience.” We may admire those who possess great patience, not realizing the cost they paid to acquire this precious grace.