WEEK 4: THE PATIENT GOD
March 9-14
SCRIPTURE
“Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? … Do you not remember?”
Mark 8:17–21
DEVOTIONAL
The disciples do not understand. They have seen miracles and still miss the meaning. They have heard truth and still struggle to grasp it.
And Jesus stays.
He asks questions. He corrects gently. He reminds them of what they have already witnessed. He does not abandon them for their slowness. There is comfort here for every believer who feels behind.
Spiritual growth rarely unfolds as quickly as we hope. We stumble over the same habits. We wrestle with the same fears. We pray the
same prayers. And yet, Christ does not withdraw.
His patience is not indifference. It is commitment. He is forming something steady and enduring.
This week, let yourself breathe in that patience. Where have you grown discouraged with your own progress? Where have you judged yourself harshly for not being further along?
The God who walks with slow disciples is still walking with you. Growth in His Kingdom is not hurried. It is faithful. Stay with Him.
FASTING PRACTICE
Fast: Caffeine
Caffeine often fuels urgency. It allows us to override limits and push past fatigue. It keeps us moving when our bodies and souls are signaling that we need rest.
For this week, reduce or eliminate caffeine in a way that is wise and healthy for you.
When fatigue surfaces, resist irritation. Pay attention to what rises in you. Impatience? Frustration? Anxiety about productivity?
Let slowness teach you something.
God does not form you through constant acceleration. He forms you through faithfulness over
time.
As your pace slows, allow yourself to pray short, simple prayers throughout the day:
“Lord, teach me to trust Your timing.”
Let this fast remind you that you are not a machine. You are being shaped.
REFLECTION PROMPTS
PRAYER
Faithful Father,
You have been patient with me when I have been slow to understand. You have remained when I have repeated mistakes. Teach me perseverance. Soften my heart where it has grown resistant. Give me humility to receive correction and courage to keep walking.
As I fast this week, slow my pace. Release me from the need to measure my worth by progress. Anchor me in the truth that You are committed to my formation. Help me trust that steady obedience, even when unseen, is how You shape a disciple. Keep me faithful in the process.
Amen
“Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? … Do you not remember?”
Mark 8:17–21
DEVOTIONAL
The disciples do not understand. They have seen miracles and still miss the meaning. They have heard truth and still struggle to grasp it.
And Jesus stays.
He asks questions. He corrects gently. He reminds them of what they have already witnessed. He does not abandon them for their slowness. There is comfort here for every believer who feels behind.
Spiritual growth rarely unfolds as quickly as we hope. We stumble over the same habits. We wrestle with the same fears. We pray the
same prayers. And yet, Christ does not withdraw.
His patience is not indifference. It is commitment. He is forming something steady and enduring.
This week, let yourself breathe in that patience. Where have you grown discouraged with your own progress? Where have you judged yourself harshly for not being further along?
The God who walks with slow disciples is still walking with you. Growth in His Kingdom is not hurried. It is faithful. Stay with Him.
FASTING PRACTICE
Fast: Caffeine
Caffeine often fuels urgency. It allows us to override limits and push past fatigue. It keeps us moving when our bodies and souls are signaling that we need rest.
For this week, reduce or eliminate caffeine in a way that is wise and healthy for you.
When fatigue surfaces, resist irritation. Pay attention to what rises in you. Impatience? Frustration? Anxiety about productivity?
Let slowness teach you something.
God does not form you through constant acceleration. He forms you through faithfulness over
time.
As your pace slows, allow yourself to pray short, simple prayers throughout the day:
“Lord, teach me to trust Your timing.”
Let this fast remind you that you are not a machine. You are being shaped.
REFLECTION PROMPTS
- Where do I feel pressure to be further along spiritually?
- How have I been impatient with my own growth?
- How might God be using this season to form perseverance in me?
PRAYER
Faithful Father,
You have been patient with me when I have been slow to understand. You have remained when I have repeated mistakes. Teach me perseverance. Soften my heart where it has grown resistant. Give me humility to receive correction and courage to keep walking.
As I fast this week, slow my pace. Release me from the need to measure my worth by progress. Anchor me in the truth that You are committed to my formation. Help me trust that steady obedience, even when unseen, is how You shape a disciple. Keep me faithful in the process.
Amen