Learning Patience

Lets face it, in this fast paced "microwave" society of the 21st century we live in we aren't used to having to wait around for things...instead we get things when we want them which is pretty much immediately. If we are hungry we eat, if we are thirsty we get a drink, if we are tired we take a nap, if we want a song we download it online if we need a new shirt we go to the mall etc. Having to wait is just well out of the question. God makes me laugh quite often. I once heard a quote that said, if you want to make God laugh, tell God YOUR plans. My life as a disciple has been full of surprises, things I would have never expected but have turned out to be far exceeding anything I could have dreamed. God truly does know best. I sometimes have to take a step back and laugh at myself and wonder why I ever even try to plan...anyways, one lesson God seems to have to teach me over and over and OVER again is patience. My time frame is not God's time frame at all. Sometimes it is quicker and sometimes longer and sometimes He answers it completely differently. Merriam Webster defines patience as "bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint, not hasty or impetuous, steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity, able or willing to bear". As I look at that definition I am again astonished at my sinfulness. The root of my impatience comes from a lack of trust in God's sovereignty which ultimately stems from a desire to be in control which comes from pride. I think I know best...would I ever say that? No, but my actions speak louder then words. Although I am actively striving to gain patience in my life it is a daily struggle and it is only by God's grace that I can withstand during my trials etc.

The following verses have encouraged me in my pursuit of gaining patience:
Samuel 12:16 "Now stand STILL and see the great thing the LORD will do before your eyes."
Psalm 37:7 "Wait and trust the LORD. Don't be upset when others get rich or when someone else's plans succeed."
Psalm 40:1 "I waited patiently for the LORD. He turned to me and heard my cry."
Psalm 130:5-6 "I wait for the LORD to help me, and I trust his word. I wait for the Lord to help me more than night watchmen wait for the dawn, more than night watchmen wait for the dawn."
Hebrews 6:12 "We do not want you to become lazy. Be like those who through faith and patience will receive what God has promised."
James 1:2-4 "My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, 3 because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. 4 Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need."

I am definitely learning and seeking Him as I go. It is only by His grace that I am who I am and that I even have the ability to be able to trust Him and have patience. I have realized that patience is another character trait that sets us apart in this fallen world. As I continue to seek the Lord's strength each day and ask Him to enable me to be patience I find comfort in knowing that He is good and faithful and that He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it.