We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only us in the world. Helen Keller

Walking in God’s Favor: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 NIV

Patience Is Not The Ability to Wait, But How You Act When You Are Waiting

There are no short cuts to Level 4 Stewardship; a life of sustainable increase and significance. You must be willing to go through the process. Gospel music icon James Cleveland wrote a song that says ” Please be patient with me. God is not through with me yet.” Level 4 Stewardship is a lifelong journey, not a destination. You must be in it, to win it.

After raising four successful children of our own, Ardella and I understand the power of patience and prayer when you have teenagers and toddlers in your home. When your authority is challenged, your sanity is questioned, and your energy level is depleted, it takes patience to love the blessings of parenthood.

Great Things Come Out Of Patience

We believe God, the Source of all power, is working in our lives even when you can’t see it or don’t believe it. One of my favorite biblical leaders is Joseph. Reading his life story is absolutely incredible. Joseph’s own brothers put him in a pit to die, then decided it was smarter to sell him into slavery for money. He served 14 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. He was falsely accused of sexual harassment by his boss’s wife. His partners in prison forgot their promises they made to help him when they were released from prison.

With all this history, at the young age of 32, Joseph became one of the most powerful and wealthiest leaders in Egypt; second only to Pharaoh. Joseph shows us the power of patience when you have purpose in your life. Inside of Joseph ‘s heart, the seeds of greatness were planted when he was only 17 years old. He didn’t know when or how long it would take to mature. So when the storms of life came upon Joseph, he kept his confidence in the Source of All Power working on his behalf.

Have Patience All Things Are Difficult Before the Become Easy

Growth can often seems like a painful and fearful process. When the Creator calls you to Level 4 Stewardship, you sometimes feel uneasy and uncomfortable with yourself. Like Joseph, you can trust in the Source of All Power in your life. Our Creator will do whatever is best for your good and what will ultimately give Him glory. Like Joseph, you can ultimately say, “What others meant for evil, God meant for good.”

Remember when the Creator calls you to Level 4 Stewardship, He has already equipped you to handle going thorough the process. The process is not graded on the speed of your growth as much as is it on how strong you become. God will use your entire lifetime to prepare you for eternity. As you travel this spiritual discovery of Level 4 stewardship, keep in mind, masterpieces takes time.

Prayer of Blessing: Creator God, thank You for having patience with us.

Michael J. Vance is the co-host of a weekly podcast Better Husband Father Man  a hub for all things parenting, marriage and self-improvement. He is a financial & benefit risk manager with Hundley Batts & Associates Insurance Agency  and the co-founder of Stewardshipofwealth.com  Ardella Vance volunteers her time, talents, and financial resources to causes she is passionate about. She is a gifted educator and a Master Guide in the Pathfinders Club, a global organization empowered to teach life and leadership skills to young people. The Vance’s have been married well over 3 decades and share their lives with four adult children and nine grandchildren. They currently reside in Huntsville, Alabama and blog from their workbook ”Stewardship of Wealth“