God Is Patient With Us
KATIE FARIS
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“Let my lord pass on ahead of his servant, and I will lead on slowly, at the pace of the livestock that are ahead of me and at the pace of the children …” Genesis 33:14 (ESV)
Several years ago, on a family road trip, we stopped at least once an hour. No exaggeration. By the fifth stop for the same child, it was all I could do to hold my tongue as we walked to the restroom. I felt impatience fill me like a balloon, and I was about to burst.
Somewhere on Interstate 95, the Lord convicted me with this verse: “Let my lord pass on ahead of his servant, and I will lead on slowly, at the pace of the livestock that are ahead of me and at the pace of the children …” (Genesis 33:14). In context, these are the words of the Israelite patriarch Jacob, responding to his brother Esau about their travels. But whatever Jacob’s intentions in this conversation, his words ring true in general: Children move at their own speed, whether super fast or super slow.
Would I keep fighting to travel at my own speed, or would I adjust to my children’s pace, in view of God’s patience with me?
You see, it didn't take long on my motherhood journey to realize I’m not a “super mom.” Instead, I get stressed and impatient. I’m weak, and I don’t just need help. I need rescue from sin.
Thankfully, the Lord is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin” (Exodus 34:6-7, ESV). God doesn’t have a short fuse; He’s long-suffering with His children, offering second, third and 10th chances … and counting. He waits for us to run to Jesus for forgiveness and salvation (2 Peter 3:9).
On our road trip, the Lord slowed me down. So much more is at stake on this parenting journey than reaching a destination at a certain time. How we think about, speak to and behave toward our children matters when …
- A son can’t find his shoes, and everyone else is in the car.
- A daughter takes twice as long to eat her lunch as the rest of her siblings.
- A sleepy toddler needs to be carried halfway through a family walk.
- A child is slower to learn to read than other children.
- A child’s disability limits the family’s activities.
That day, the Lord offered me a choice between a godly or ungodly path. I could display the same love, patience, forbearance and kindness God shows me — or disdain, impatience, rudeness and anger. Either way, how I respond to my child’s full bladder matters.
1 Corinthians 13:4 says, “Love is patient and kind” (ESV). Every day, motherhood offers opportunities to remember our Savior’s patience with us and to extend the same to our children. What we choose in those moments, all added together, makes a difference in what our children will remember — not just from a road trip but from their childhood.
Heavenly Father, as You are patient with me, help me to be patient with my family. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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FOR DEEPER STUDY
Romans 2:4, “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (ESV).
2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (ESV).
In light of God’s patience toward you, how will you display patience to others today? Share with us in the comments!
© 2025 by Katie Faris. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Friday, 23 May 2025.
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