It happened that as we were going to the place of prayer, a slave-girl having a spirit of divination met us, who was bringing her masters much profit by fortune-telling. Following after Paul and us, she kept crying out, saying, "These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation." She continued doing this for many days. But Paul was greatly annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!" And it came out at that very moment. Acts 16:16-18

Paul was greatly annoyed by the demon-possessed girl. It is rather unlikely that we will encounter many possessed by demons, but we can be annoyed with people. Paul gives a good example regarding how to deal with [cope with?] people who may get under our skin.

Paul was patient. We do not know how long the girl was vexing Paul, but I think it is safe to assume the Apostle tried first to be “longsuffering.” Let us seek to be patient. Let us remember that we have probably annoyed others, and how would we want them to bear with us?

Paul prayed for the girl. Again, since we are not likely encountering demon-possessed people, it isn’t likely that we would need to pray for a person to be rid of demons. But instead of praying, Lord, please deliver me from this person, we ought to pray for the person who tries our patience. Who knows what issues he/she has been through, or is dealing with, that causes him/her to be the way he/she is. Pray for the person, for the his/her peace of mind.

Lastly, remember how longsuffering the Lord is with each of us. If we would be like Him, we must bear with others who might try our patience. In so doing we are growing into the image and likeness of Christ.

Not sure where to start? How about when we are driving our cars!