Many years ago, I worked for a man named Mr. Will. Our goal was to find a work vehicle. All of the service records needed to be intact, and it had to be a specific brand and mileage. We were repeatedly delayed… some cars would meet one criterion but not another. The search for the perfect car took months. Ultimately, we got a great vehicle, but I learned something along the way—nothing worthwhile happens quickly.

You see, one of the secrets to extraordinary living is patience. Things don’t happen overnight. You don’t go into the gym one time and walk out looking like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. You must persevere and have patience during challenging workouts. It’s the belief that all this hard work will result in a stronger, leaner, and healthier body that keeps you going. After months of consistent workouts, the results finally come.

Likewise, as we persevere through life’s trials, we develop strength, resilience, and patience. Testing develops our fortitude…our staying power. Tests make us stronger as we pass them.

When delays and discouragement come, remember God is building patience and character inside of you! James 1:4 says, But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

The more you don’t give up, the more you learn from your mistakes, and the more you trust God in every circumstance, the more spiritually mature you become. Then, you can indeed find peace and joy in all circumstances.

Take some time now to listen to this message and discover how you can trust God by surrendering to His timing…