Exodus 23:29-30

"I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the wild animals of the field become too numerous for you. Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and inherit the land" (Exodus 23:29-30 SAAS).

I think this is a great verse to remember whenever you are getting impatient with a certain sin or passion that you cannot overcome (and it can actually apply to any prayer that you think is unanswered). Many times we ask God to do something and expect it to be done after we say "amen" at the end of our prayer. But we don't always think about the implications of the realization of those expectations. We don't realize the dangers (primarily spiritual in nature) that may sometimes entail instant gratification of our requests and desires, such as pride or a lack of patience. We don't understand that patience teaches us to trust in God more and that having our requests granted instantly can lead to pride and selfishness. But we must trust that God works for our best all the time and will answer our prayers in the most appropriate and fitting way.