Saturday, July 30, 2011

Got Patience?



 “Beware of anxiety. Next to sin, there is nothing that so troubles the mind, strains the heart, distresses the soul, and confuses the judgment.” William Ullathorne

Are you a patient person? I am ashamed to say that it is really something I need to work hard on! If there is any quality I need in my life today, it is patience.  I experienced a situation last weekend that I became so absorbed in that it ended up  taking control of just about all of my energy. (I crashed my computer!) One thing led to another until I was so stressed that I felt sick inside.  The problem is that when I need a situation or condition worked out and/or resolved, I want it to happen now! Anxiety and lack of patience can keep me thinking obsessively about something until it completely monopolizes all of my thoughts and time, but stepping back and calming down will actually move me ahead more effectively than nervous, anxious energy.  Why is it so hard to wait sometimes? I have learned over and over in many situations that if I just wait on the Lord, doors open and I am directed, supplied, and protected.


Consider how many difficult things would be made less difficult with a little patience.  Patience is the work of God, and He is committed to building patience and perseverance in our lives so that we may be able to resemble His own character. When we exhibit patience not only does it get us through the circumstances of life, but it can transform our lives and the lives of those around us with His love. Isaiah 30:18 says “But God’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you. He’s gathering strength to show mercy to you. God takes the time to do everything right-everything. Those who wait around for Him are the lucky ones.” (The Message) Patience is hard (I expect everyone struggles just a little bit!) because too often we run ahead of God and miss His direction for our lives. If we have Godly patience and are able to trust God with what is before us, then we will experience a calmness and inner peace because we know He is in control and His way is best. He wants us to see Him in the center of every circumstance and wait patiently on Him so that we are better able to see Him at work and receive the blessings He is waiting to give.

“We also pray that you will be strengthened with His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need” (Colossians 1:11)


14 comments:

  1. Hi Denise - This is so true. Me and patience don't do well together. but if I make a conscious effort to be patient, what a change happens in all I do at that time. The scriptures you have chosen are awesome. Something to chew on. Thanks for the encouragement.
    God bless
    Tracy

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  2. Hi Denise, so glad to see you have fixed your computer.
    I often tell the story of when many years ago I made the mistake of praying for patience and the Lord stuck me and my husband and brand new puppy on the side of the road for 8 hours awaiting rescue! I like this definition of patience from wikipedia:
    Patience is the state of endurance under difficult circumstances, which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without acting on annoyance/anger in a negative way; or exhibiting forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties. Patience is the level of endurance one's character can take before negativity. It is also used to refer to the character trait of being steadfast.
    This promps me to do a study of the word steadfast in the Bible.
    I know this message is very timely for me especially this week!
    Love In Christ,
    Lisa

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  3. Good post, Denise! My husband and I have been looking at buying a house but have no clear direction yet. I needed your reminder to wait--God will let us know when the light is green.
    Thanks!
    Pam at www.2encourage.blogspot.com

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  4. Denise,
    Having patience is something several of us struggle with, I think. I know it is difficult for me, even in situations where it should be easy. Waiting on the Lord always brings about good things.
    Thank you for visiting.
    Blessings,
    Janis

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  5. Ahhh, Denise! I suffer from the same thing...lack of patience...especially with technical gadgets. I'm reading a book by Linda Dillow called "What's it Like to be Married to Me?" and it comes with a Gripes Be Gone bracelet that I have to switch wrists every time I lose patience and gripe! Not doing very well.
    I love your blog...so uplifting and encouraging! I'm your newest follower.
    Blessings,
    ~Erin
    www.mynuggetsoftruth.blogspot.com

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  6. Hi Denise,
    I am right there with you all the way......I am a high strung, fast moving person which is a breeding ground for IMPATIENCE.....It's interesting that God has been working on that issue for quite some time with me and He is teaching me to stop and breathe then act......Sometimes I forget and charge ahead with my impatience but then I am reminded that patience is one of the fruits of the spirit and I need a filling.....God is faithful and learning to trust Him is a process....

    Thank you so much for your visit and sweet and encouraging comments.
    I appreciate them so much......

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  7. As I grow in my relationship with the Lord, I am becoming more and more patient. He is the One who gets the glory since my natural self is not patient. At school, the children are always wanting what they want ...NOW. I asked a group of kindergarten children what patience meant. One little boy said "waiting without complaining". Wow; he actually got it. :)

    Thank you for your visits to Heart Choices Denise.

    blessings and love,
    Debbie

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  8. Hi Denise,
    Patience is something I am lacking in. What you say is so true, "things would be made less difficult if we had patience." Thank you for sharing this wonderful post.
    Blessings,
    Ken

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  9. Thank you for this precious reminder! God is Patience and we live by the fruit of His spirit!

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  10. Ah yes, patience, the most crucial part of our refining process. I think everyone has their own moments in which this subject is tested... what I get impatient over you may not, and vice versa. This topic gives ALL of us an area to work on and seek God over.

    Great post Denise!

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  11. This is so true. Where I lack patience is largely to do with knowing what God desires in my life. And that is where he takes his time, always knowing best.

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  12. People have always told me how patient I am. I think I am most of the time, but I sure could use some of His power and endurance right now!
    Thank you for coming by my place and leaving such a sweet comment! It meant a lot:)
    Blessings,
    Kristin

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  13. Patience is definitely a spiritual muscle I need to develop! Thanks for posting this reminder that God desires complete transformation in our lives.

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  14. So true: if we have patience we will trust God that he has a plan and time for everything. This is the second post on patience I have read today. In wonder if God is trying to tell me something!

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