What does God want for me? Patience

     I decided to look up the definition of patience and discovered it means to be able to bear or endure pain or trouble without complaining or losing self-control and also the ability to wait calmly for something desired.  Both of these aspects of patience are found in scripture, and we are encouraged to develop this attribute in our lives.  Is this easy, NO!  I am consoled that both Paul and David also struggled with God’s desire for them and those around them to be patient.  Psalm 37:7 begins “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him…. Psalm 40:1-2 says “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”  Paul wrote to the Corinthians about developing patience in their suffering.  2 Corinthians 1:6 “If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.”  Both David and Paul speak of the virtue of waiting and developing what Paul calls patient endurance in life to be able to endure hardship and suffering as we wait for God’s timing in the events of our lives.  They also proclaim God’s faithfulness to us as we wait.  David put it so eloquently “He heard my cry and lifted me out of the mud and mire”.    God rewards our patience and knows exactly what we need and when we need it.

     In Galatians, Paul tells us that patience is a fruit of the spirit (Gal 5:22).  That means it is a resulting characteristic that the Holy Spirit develops within us as we love and seek to please Jesus in our lives.  James tells us this gift of patience will help us to stand firm and endure as we wait for the Lord Jesus to return. (James 5:7-8)  Revelation speaks of patient endurance and faithfulness that will be needed by the saints. (Rev. 13:10)

     After reflecting on these verses, it is no wonder that God desires that we develop patience.  He sees it as a necessary attribute needed to live a life pleasing to Jesus in the midst of the turmoil we find in the circumstance of our lives.  God knows that developing patience and patient endurance will bring great joy to our lives and a calmness as we trust in Him.  Romans 12:12 puts it this way “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”  

     Do you fret and worry over things in your life or do you find hope and joy in watching and waiting for the Lord?  Are you faithful in prayer for strength and endurance as God works to refine and develop your character?

     PATIENCE is easy to say but hard to do.  I am claiming Psalm 37:5 more and more these days.  I find great strength and comfort in it. “Commit your way to the LORD, trust in Him and He will act.”  With patience I need to work on commitment and trust then He will bring the action and results.

Blessings as you develop patience in your life,
Linda

One must patiently wait to see Old Faithful erupt. It is a sight worth patiently waiting for!!