Day 10
Tactical Patience in the Christian Life
Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes
haste with his feet misses his way.
Proverbs 19:2
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
A new year is upon us. For many, it’s a season filled with opportunities, fresh starts, and ambitious goals. With the new year, believers often plan for spiritual growth or set resolutions to do more for the Lord, whether in our own lives or in discipling others. While these are great intentions, they also come with a serious temptation: the tendency to rush ahead. This is the tendency to make plans and then ask God to bless them, rather than waiting on Him to guide us. In doing so, we sometimes miss the beauty and power of trusting in His perfect timing.
Proverbs 19:2 cautions against acting without understanding. “Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” This verse acknowledges a struggle we are all very familiar with, impatience. It’s easy to act out of a sense of urgency, but haste often leads to error. Whether we’re pursuing personal sanctification or helping others grow in Christ, rushing ahead without prayerful discernment risks disastrous results.
In my military experience, I have often observed the necessity for tactical patience. In the heat of a situation, reacting too quickly can create unnecessary risks. The wisest course of action is often to wait, to assess, to gather intelligence, and then let the situation unfold before committing to a course of action. Spiritually, this kind of patience means trusting in God’s sovereignty. It means recognizing that He is in control and that His timing is always perfect, even when we don’t understand His delays.
Isaiah 40:31 offers a comforting promise, “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength.” Waiting on God is not about inactivity; it’s about active dependence. It’s the disciplined choice to trust in God’s wisdom, to pray for His guidance, and to rest in His plan. Those who wait on the Lord find their strength renewed, not by their own effort but by the Lord’s sustaining grace.
This principle applies especially in discipleship, both in our personal growth and in our efforts to disciple others. We must recognize that spiritual growth is a slow, deliberate process. God transforms our hearts over time, shaping us through His Word, prayer, and through the everyday circumstances of life. It’s tempting to want immediate results, but sanctification occurs in God’s time and is not something we can rush. The same is true when we disciple others. Whether teaching, mentoring, or encouraging someone in their walk with the Lord, wemust remember that transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, we may have a role in planting seeds and watering them, but God is the one who brings the growth (1 Cor. 3:6).
Expecting immediate spiritual maturity and growth can often lead to discouragement. Frustration can arise when someone doesn’t mature as quickly as we think they should, or we might feel pressure to make things happen through our own efforts. Be reminded that discipleship is not about us; it’s about God working in His time and His way. Tactical patience allows us to step back, trust God’s process, and focus on faithful obedience to God’s instruction rather than results.
In our efforts to disciple others, remember that relationships require time. We must intentionally invest in those God has placed in our spheres of influence and resist the urge to measure success by immediate results. As we make disciples, focus on being a faithful presence and always pointing others to Christ through both words and actions. Pray for their growth and trust the Holy Spirit to do what only He is capable of.
Remember that tactical patience is not passivity. It is defined by faithful obedience in doing what God has called us to do while trusting Him with the outcome. It requires surrendering our plans and embracing His, understanding that His are always better than ours. As the Prophet Isaiah reminds us, it is those who wait on the Lord who will renew their strength, mount up with wings like eagles, run without growing weary, and walk without fainting. It’s the strength of the Lord that will sustain us in the work of discipleship.
As this new year begins, resolve to live and disciple with patience. Trust in the Lord’s wisdom and rest in His timing. Commit to faithfulness in the daily acts of obedience, knowing that God is at work in us and through us for His glory. And let us look to Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who is our ultimate example of what it means to walk in humble trust and perfect patience.
FURTHER REFLECTION:
As you enter this new year, consider how the effective use of tactical patience might impact your walk with Christ. Instead of rushing to accomplish goals, be intentional about seeking the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to guide your steps and be willing to wait for His direction.
In your personal growth, commit to daily spiritual disciplines, especially meditating on God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. Trust that God is working in you, even when progress might feel limited.
PRAYER:
Lord, as I begin this new year, I ask that You guide my heart to rest in Your wisdom and teach me to wait patiently as I trust in Your perfect timing. Renew my strength as I seek You daily and grant me the grace to walk in faithful obedience as Your disciple. As I seek to be Your instrument, remind me that true transformation comes only through Your Holy Spirit. Shape my heart to reflect Your patience and love and may everything I do glorify You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Deuteronomy 31:6, Luke 8:22-25, Romans 5:1
by Joe Gonzales