Patience

Definition of the word "patience": the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.

Some people may automatically think that they have patience, perhaps more than the next person (I know I thought this about myself for a long time).  But when we really stop and actually think about it, what a big meaning the word "patience" has.

I honestly never thought that I would go through a trial where it seemed to be that the main lesson of the whole thing was to gain patience.  I would never have expected it, but there it was, knocking on my door.  And by answering that knock, I let that tribulation get a strong hold on my self, my heart, and most definitely on my mind.  But we are to "glory in tribulations", are we not?

Going through this trial I recognize that patience is something I am going to need dearly.  I know I'll need a lot of it for a long time.  And I recognize also that there is only one way I can obtain it: through continuous prayer.

I suppose I'm naturally a stubborn girl, (and I also suppose that's not really going to shock anybody).  Patience isn't my strong point.  The Bible says "...tribulation worketh patience..."  I can only pray that during this trial period, my stubborn nature won't rebel and toss what little patience I have or gain out the window.

But you know what?  God is Lord, and He is good in all things.  In all things.  What he does for His own children really is what is best for them, whether they know it or not, whether they accept it or not, whether they're willing to wait and be patient for an answer or not.  And the only thing we, as children, can do about it is pray for the right attitude.

I actually know some people who absolutely will not pray for patience because they know that with patience comes tribulations.   This baffles me greatly.  I understand the not wanting tribulation part, but the end result is a fruit of the spirit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering [patience], gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance..."  I suppose I know what I'm asking for when I pray for patience, but the end result is a blessed sweetness that enables us more fully to trust in the God of our salvation.

God give me the faith to say, Thy will be done.  As I said in an earlier post, we, as man, are sinful even in our righteousnesses; so we ought only to seek the will of the Father, and not what our own wretched selves want, even if we want it really bad.  May God grant me the patience I absolutely know I will need to emerge from this trial a victor.

"By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  And patience, experience; and experience, hope..."  -Romans 5:2-4

Blessed be God the Father, Who giveth me trials and tribulations to endure.

Pray for patience.  It's the only way we'll ever get it.