Patience is a virtue! How many times in your life have you heard this phrase? I know that I have heard it many times throughout my life and continue to still hear it and even say it to others. However, the key point to identify is how many times have you practiced patience? It seems to me that as time goes by, society is in a bigger rush than ever before. Life can get busy depending on the stage that you are in, but imagine what it would be like if you slowed down. When you take time to reflect on your blessings, accomplishments, failures, losses, gains, milestones, etc., it will ground you to be present.
Welcome patience into your life and even treat it as your friend. When you are in distress, who do you typically turn to for comfort? Some may say, a friend or partner, others may say God, while many may say nobody. What would it look like for you to turn towards patience?
It’s the testing time that patience becomes your friend. In the Bible, patience is defined as the ability to remain constant and enduring. To persevere and continue in faith when what you believe is challenged. Patience is the “staying power” you need to remain loyal to what you know to be true during a difficult time. Here is an example that may pertain to you in the present time or something you have experienced in the past. Praying for a loved one that has been diagnosed with terminal illness can be a testimony of your faith. As believers, we think that our prayers to God must be answered only in the way we want and when we do not witness our loved one improving, we begin to question our faith. Is God there? If so, why is he not listening to me?
Turning towards patience and waiting for God’s response to your prayer will be the key factor. God answers prayers in the way He sees best fit for all His children. He can view things in the long run and know that what you are praying for is not in your or your loved one’s best interest. This is difficult to accept, but when you are struggling, stop and ask God for His strength to continue embracing patience while He is working.
“…being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience” Colossians 1:11
During those days, weeks, months, or maybe even years when you recognize that you are feeling frustrated, angry, irritable, upset that God has not answered your prayers, turn towards patience, and invite it to become your friend. Jesus Christ demonstrated patience while he was waiting for the right time to begin performing His miracles. When you are honest, patience is one of those qualities that most everyone could use more of. Patience has a positive effect on you and to those you encounter. “To lose patience is to lose the battle”. Mahatma Gandhi.
