Session 1
Patience and humility
From Preparing Your Heart to Go: A 7-Day Devotional for NewSpring Mission Trips
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. — Galatians 5:22-23
Life’s demands can keep us running from place to place, without much thought about the people around us. We often don’t realize we’re doing it until a car moves too slowly or someone carries 15 items into the express line, and we lose it.
When tasks and schedules become more important than the people around us, our priorities are out of order. We’re going too fast in too many directions to remember the power that exists within us.
The apostle Paul, who was often delayed and redirected in His travels, reminds us to let the Holy Spirit guide our lives. “Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants” (Galatians 5:16-17, NLT).
Traveling can be frustrating. It often comes with delays and disruptions. Expect them. And when they come, remember, you can be patient, kind, gentle, and self-controlled because you have the Holy Spirit in you.
If we walk into every situation asking the Holy Spirit to guide us, delays don’t feel like an inconvenience but an opportunity. An opportunity for conversation, an unexpected blessing, or an upgrade.
What if the delay you’re desperate to avoid is actually God’s plan for you?
No matter what happens with accommodations, bus rides, flights, or room assignments, God has you with this group on this trip for a reason. What you think is a setback might be a setup to see Him move.
Reflect
How often do you find yourself irritated in traffic or in lines? Where does that frustration come from?
Pray
Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with patience and flexibility for your journey. Ask Him to make you sensitive to opportunities to care for the people you meet.
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