Sunday, January 8, 2012

Patience Restored

“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV)


Do you find your patience tested in some way nearly every day? I think there is one thing to keep in mind as we go through a hectic day; the one who benefits the most from our patience is us!  When everything is going our way patience is easy to demonstrate; but sometimes we have to experience annoying events and difficulties to help us grow and strengthen our character. Perseverance and patience are two essential qualities that help spiritual people deal with adverse circumstances.

“May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might for all endurance and patience with joy.” (Colossians 1:11 ESV)


God tells us the story of Job as a reminder that it is necessary to have patience, and to worship God with complete submission. Throughout his ordeal, Job remained devoted to God. Job turned to God for comfort and accepted his burdens with total faith and trust. God rewarded and restored Job’s health, family, and wealth abundantly because of his devoted love and patience.  Patience reveals a depth of strong character, and even though we all go through hard times, I believe that God uses life's difficulties to test our total submission of faith and trust. He provides us with a different strength in our weakness, and the wisdom to overcome doubt and despair.

“We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next.” (Romans 5:3-4 MSG)

I find my patience is tested in some way every day when things don't go just the way I planned, and I can either learn and grow, or I can turn my back, give up and end up full of bitterness and anxiety. Our patience is developed and strengthened by resting in God’s perfect timing and trusting Him to provide us with the strength that we need moment by moment, rather than wasting our energy by indulging in impatient behavior. We can handle whatever this day may bring by responding with patience and complete trust in God’s power and purpose. The troubles and disappointments that test our patience will soon seem trivial and insignificant if we just move on past them, step forward, and lift our eyes up.

“You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” James 1:3-4 MSG) 

Linking up with Joan to Share His Beauty....


Beauty in His Grip Button


....and Shanda for On Your Heart Tuesday

8 comments:

  1. I think I will place a copy of that passage from Galations somewhere where I see it each morning..I know it by heart, but sometimes it helps to see it to bring it to mind.
    Breat post, thanks for sharing this Denise!
    ~God Bless You~

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  2. Oh, Denise!!! This is good. Going through menopause really tests my patience & I find myself struggling with it every day!! I'm so impatient with my impatience!!! ;0) Thank you for this gentle reminder that I can turn it all over to Him.
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  3. When it comes to patience God deals with me daily on this for He knows that is one of my weaknesses. But one thing is for sure I am a whole lot better then I use to be and when I am about to lose it God always every time has a way of stopping me in my foot tracks to remember my lesson in patience.

    Great post

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  4. Patience not one of my favorite words but definitely a virtue God has been dealing with me regarding.

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  5. Ah...His timing is perfect! Only seconds before I read your post, I got a phone call from one of my dad's doctors to schedule an appointment. We had been waiting for this call and my dad is anxious to get the appointment for a procedure on the books. Anyway, the closest time available isn't until the end of the month! Ooooh! I instantly felt impatient! I know this is something that Dad has needed soon, but now we still have to wait 3 more weeks. I got off the phone and went to my computer and read your post. Well, I am placing it in God's hands and surrendering to His will. Who knows? Maybe by waiting these extra 3 weeks, my dad will be in even better health and the procedure will go better than hoped! Thanks for the timely post!

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  6. This was beautiful Denise. I always tell the children in our Pre-K 3 class that patience means to wait without complaining. Now they recite that when we have to wait for something. :)

    I agree with you. Patience is often developed as we go through difficulties. I know that I've been learning to submit to the Lord in all things. My fingers have been loosened from material goods after losing so much. I keep waiting for something to change but then I remember patience and in God's perfect timing.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

    PS. I keep trying to add your blog to my blog link list and was having trouble for some reason. Patience as I try once again.

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  7. We are reminded that patience is achieved by tribulation! I do wish there was another way! :-)

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  8. Denise,
    As always, an awesome post. Love the verse you chose. "STOP at the crossroads and look around . . ." Don't think I've ever really thought about that. We aren't to just fly through it. Stop and think and consciously choose the right path. Smiles to you this weekend, my sweet friend,
    Susan

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