Patience

There are times in my life that God does not operate according to my calendar and I find myself waiting upon Him.  The truth of the matter is that patience is a virtue and it is also a supernatural by product that comes from the Holy Spirit as we walk in fellowship with God.  Being patient is a vital part of trusting in God, as our life circumstances are not always what we would prefer.  Practicing patience is a matter of trusting in the wisdom, power, and sovereignty of God during times in our lives when life does not make sense to us.  How is a Christian to rest with the confidence that God is at the helm even in our darkest hours?  Is it possible to trust the heart of God even when we can’t trace His hands?

God provides comfort, encouragement, and promises for His people through His Word.  Please take the time to read these seven references and rest upon the comfort of His Word.

Ephesians 4:1-3, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-7, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Philippians 4:6-7, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Proverbs 15:18, “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention.”

Romans 12:2, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Psalm 37:7-9, “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; fret not when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes.  Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm.  For the evildoers will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.”