Trailhead – Edition #9 – March 2026
God Is Patient
Greetings, fellow disciple-making parents!
Welcome to The Trailhead, a monthly devotional designed to help you begin each month with focus, encouragement, and intention. Just as a trailhead marks the start of a journey, this devotional is meant to reorient your heart for the weeks ahead—weeks filled with ordinary routines, unexpected challenges, and meaningful opportunities to point your family to Jesus.
This month, we turn our focus to an aspect of God’s character that we all need to be reminded of – God is Patient.
God Is Patient
As we consider the patience of God, read and reflect on these words from 2 Peter 3:9 (ESV): “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.”
When we hear the word patience, we often think about our own ability to wait: waiting in traffic, waiting for answers, waiting for a change in our children or our circumstances. But this verse invites us to begin somewhere deeper. It draws our attention to the patience of God Himself.
What may look like delay is actually mercy.
God is not careless with time, and He is not forgetful of His promises. He is patient, and that patience overflows to us.
God’s patience flows from His loving purpose. He is not rushing His work. He is giving space for repentance, for restoration, and for hearts to turn toward Him. His patience is not weakness. It is compassion.
This is especially important for us to remember as parents. We often measure progress in visible results, such as behavior changes, spiritual growth, and better choices. But God’s work in our children’s hearts, and in our own, unfolds over time. He is steady. He is gentle. He is patient.
God does not grow frustrated with us when growth feels slow. He continues to pursue us with mercy and grace, patiently shaping us into the likeness of Christ.
Reflections for Disciple-Making Parents
Our children will learn something about God’s patience by watching how we respond. When growth is slow, obedience is inconsistent, and conversations need to be repeated, we have a choice. When we choose gentleness over irritation and perseverance over discouragement, we reflect something true about the heart of God. Parenting often exposes our limits, but it also gives us daily opportunities to depend on a patient Savior. And when we do mess up and lose our patience, we can model the Gospel to our kids by coming to Jesus (and to them) for forgiveness, just as we’re teaching them to do. As we rest in God’s patience toward us, we are better equipped to extend that same patience to our children.
Life Application
Here are a few ways to put this into practice this week:
- Thank God together as a family for His patience toward you.
2. Share with your children a time when God has shown patience in your life.
3. Choose one situation this week where you will intentionally respond with patience instead of frustration.
Book Recommendation
The Attributes of God, Volume 1: A Journey into the Father’s Heart by A. W. Tozer
This short collection of teachings explores several attributes of God, including His patience, goodness, and mercy. A. W. Tozer helps readers move beyond simply knowing about God to truly worshiping Him for who He is. For parents seeking to grow in their understanding of God’s character, this book offers clear insights that can deepen personal faith and shape the way we lead our families.
Looking Ahead
Later this month on Discipleship Cliff, we will continue sharing simple and practical family Bible study tools, including new Parent-Driven Discussions and resources designed to help you lead meaningful spiritual conversations with your kids.
Next month’s Trailhead will focus on another foundational truth about who God is: God is Merciful. We will reflect on how God’s mercy meets us in our failures and how His compassion shapes the way we respond to our children when they fall short.
Closing Encouragement
As you begin this month, remember that the same patience God extends toward you is the patience He invites you to reflect in your home. Parenting can feel slow and repetitive—but God is never in a hurry with His work. He is faithfully shaping your heart and the hearts of your children, one day at a time. When progress feels small or unseen, take heart: God is still at work. Rest in His steady patience this month, and let His grace guide the way you respond, teach, and love your children each day.
Additional Resources
Understanding the Gospel: A Parent’s Guide
How to Teach Your Kids to Pray Using the ACTS Prayer Model
10 Short Bible Verses Kids Can Memorize
Every month I send out The Trailhead, a short newsletter for parents who want to disciple their kids and need a little encouragement along the way. It is free and you can unsubscribe anytime.
That is it. No pressure. No complicated system.
Just a parent helping other parents take the next step in leading their kids towards Jesus. Start with Step 1 and go from there. I am glad you are here.
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