Patience is one of those qualities we all need in our lives, but we’re not born with it. We have to cultivate it over time.

In this message, Dr. Stanley tells us how to develop patience so we can make wise, profitable decisions, build strong, lasting, loving relationships, enjoy the favor of God, and be happy with ourselves.

Take inventory of your life. How would you answer these questions?

- Where are you in your ability to be patient in difficult, trying times?
- How do you react when you find yourself being impatient?
- What feelings do you experience when you’re impatient?
- What negative consequences have you experienced in the past when you’ve been impatient?
- What beliefs do you have that block your ability to be patient?
- What new beliefs would help you gain a sense of patience with others?
- What behavior needs to change in order for you to be more patient?

You can’t just pray for patience. It’s a fruit of the Spirit that takes time, energy, and effort to develop, and it grows as a result of your faith and perseverance through hardships. At the center of it is a belief that God is in absolute control of your life. Will you trust Him to turn your difficulties into opportunities to develop patience?

This sermon is the fourth in the series The Power of Patience, which includes:

1. The Powerful Attribute of Patience
2. The Consequences of Impatience
3. Expressing Patience
4. Developing Patience
5. The Rewards of Patience
6. The Patience of God

For more messages from Charles Stanley, including this week's broadcast, go to www.intouch.org/watch