This month, our character focus is Patience. The operational definition of patience is “accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it.”

The key to exercising patience is knowing that God can work powerfully in all circumstances, including the worst ones. (See Psalm 18:30, Romans 8:28–29.) Responding in frustration or looking for an easy way out can hinder God’s perfect work in us from being accomplished. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2–4).

Every day we encounter small irritations that allow us to practice gracious endurance. Remember that these inconveniences and experiences can build patience to endure future difficulties well. Although life will sometimes be painful, we will always find God faithful. He is glorified by our faith, obedience, and patience.