Little More Like Patience
Hebrews 12:1, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”
Hello friends, neighbors, acquaintances! Welcome to another day the Lord has provided! May you have only good and positive things, and experiences today! As you look at the title, I am sure you are saying, “oh no, not patience”! We have been told constantly through the years that we shouldn’t ask God for patience; that to do so doesn’t bring joy, but more trials. Patience is actually a fruit of the Spirit; faith rooted, the ability to persevere, trusting God in His justice and all His promises. To gain a complete understanding of just what “fruit of the Spirit” is, one must research and ask the right questions. Scholars say that there are nine specific and quite visible attributes. They believe Paul wrote letters to the churches that gave direction into what brings unity between members; attributes that are for every Christian believer. But if we take time to think of all God’s teachings, of Christ’s preaching during His time on earth; these attributes are mentioned all through the Bible. A way to understand and receive the ability to have patience is to love, to have/give joy, have peace, be kind, be good, have faith, be gentle, be patient, and learn self-control! Sounds easy doesn’t it? Maybe, we have looked at having patience all wrong! Did we not remember that learning to be a Christian, a disciple, a follower of Christ is filled with all those attributes? When we let God in, He, the Holy Spirit, has given us the ability to change and build these characteristics into our self. God provides the inner strength we need to gain patience during any experience, decision, request to God. He also provided the scriptures that give knowledge, show how God is slow to anger, a lesson He wants us to learn! The end to a means comes when we realize, we cannot have patience without God’s help, His guidance, His love and mercy. As you go through today, check your “fruit of the Spirit” list; see if you lack a few! See if you need to work on what helps you be a little more like patience!
Scriptures:
Read: Hebrews 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:2-3, James 5:7-8, Romans 12:12, Galatians 5:22-26, Galatians 6: 9-10, James 1:19-25, Psalm 37:7, I Thessalonians 5:14, Romans 8:25-28, I Corinthians 13:4-8, Philippians 4:6, Colossians 3:12-14, Jeremiah 29:11-13, Isaiah 40:29, 31, II Timothy 4:2, Exodus 14:14
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your guidance in patience, in finding the strength you provide. Thank you for the “fruits of the spirit”, the ingredients that can create in us a Christ-like character. Thank you for your presence during the times we feel we cannot survive; the moments we need you to calm our hearts. Lord, please continue to show us the way in all things. Amen.