Stay calm…

Proverbs 25:15 says, “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.” (Proverbs 25:15, NIV)

The power of patience can influence a world leader or change the heart of a hard-hearted family member. A person who can exercise patience in the toughest crisis or most difficult problem will win friends and influence enemies. 

Have you discovered the power of patience in difficult situations? Why is it so powerful? Patience is so powerful because of four incredible reasons:

1. When you have patience, you won’t lose your cool. I can guarantee if you lose your temper, your actions and words will damage your reputation. Proverbs 15:18 says, “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.” (Proverbs 15:18, NIV)
2. When you have patience, you will impress and influence real leaders. Leadership is very difficult. Leaders are looking for calm, kind and positive people. “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.” (Proverbs 25:15, NIV)
3. Your patience can destroy the enemy and your enemies. My mentor, Dr. Richard Dobbins, warned me I should expect at least 20% of opposition and criticism from employees, church members or people in the community. Notice the Bible says, “…a gentle tongue can break a bone” (Proverbs 25:15, NIV) https://my.bible.com/bible/111/PRO.25.15.NIV, even a bone of contention.
4. When you have patience, people will see the Spirit in you. The world may be freaking out, but you won’t because you have the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23, RSV) The Spirit will help you keep your patience and be a calming force. 

October 1, 2017 was a horrible day for Las Vegas. A crazed gunman shot more than 500 people at a country music concert. When I heard about the crisis, I immediately texted a police officer and a SWAT Team member who attended our church. I told them, “I’m praying for you guys.”

The next day, I found out the officer was on duty at another location but responded quickly to the call. He drove to the location and felt led to enter the building while the shooter was still killing innocent people. By the grace of God and a cool head, he and his partner found the shooter’s location and helped stop the shooting spree. He became a hero that day.

If you stay calm and patient, God can use you to save a life, save a soul, build a business, raise a family or change a nation. 

Because you’re a miracle.