“being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joy” – Colossians 1:11
In November 1660, John Bunyan was arrested and spent the following twelve years in jail because he preached without the required license from the religious authorities. If he had promised to stop preaching, they would have let him out of jail. He had a wife and children, including a blind daughter. He said that when his wife and children would leave after visiting him in jail, it was like tearing his flesh from his bones to see them go. But, he refused to promise to stop preaching in order to secure his release.
While in prison, Bunyan had a copy of the Bible and of John Foxe's “Book of Martyrs”, as well as writing materials. He also had at times the company of other preachers who had been imprisoned. It was in Bedford jail he developed patience that led to his writing “Grace Abounding” and he started work on the classic Christian book “The Pilgrim's Progress”.
One of the great fruits of the Spirit of God is patience. It is through patience that we mature and become more like our Savior. Today in prayer, praise the Lord for His patience towards you and seek to be a more patient person.
“He who waits on God never waits too long.”- Chuck Wagner
God’s Word: “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” – Ecclesiastes 7:8
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