Several years ago, my 10-year-old grandson excitedly asked, “Are you read for your first lesson on you new iPad, Nana?”
We sat side by side on the sofa. Instead of grabbing it away to do it himself, he instructed me step by step, ever so slowly, telling me how to navigate my way around—a great example of patience!
We may sigh and say, “If I’m going to have patience, it will indeed have to be a gift.” Patience smacks of waiting and enduring, even when you’re fighting frustration inside. Well, there’s the problem. What’s on the inside?
The fruit of the Spirit is more about what we are than what we do. If what we are isn’t in check, then what we do loses its strength.
I’ve lost count of the many times the Lord has had to re-teach me to trust Him with things I can’t make happen when I want them to happen. You know how we can tend to be “now ” people. I want it to happen now. I want to know which direction to go now. I want this situation to change now. “In your time, Lord” needs to become a part of every prayer.
How many times have I had to come back to one of my life verses?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path. Proverbs 3:4-5
Trusting, leaning, and acknowledging takes time. It means waiting, being patient.
Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
He can miraculously turn things around, but in His time. That doesn’t mean we sit idly by. We’re not talking about waiting with a grumbling or complaining attitude. What’s in the heart will eventually show itself.
No, the Scripture means to patiently wait, wait with expectation and hope, anticipating that He will grow us along the way so we can walk, run, and eventually soar!
But let’s face it, we have those times when we are so exasperated with people or expectations or an overload of activity. It may not be a matter of waiting, but enduring. Either way, we must draw on the fruit of patience from the Holy Spirit.
So what is patience? In many ways, it is closely akin to peace. It is calm in the midst of frustration. It is akin to love which soothes our lack of patience. And with joy in our soul, which puts a positive slant on our ability to have patience. All the fruit fit together, don’t they?
Purer in heart, O God, help me to be;
May I devote my life wholly to Thee:
Watch Thou my wayward feet, Guide me with counsel sweet:
Purer in heart, help me to be.
Remember from last week—Inhale the Spirit, exhale anxiety.
~ Joyce ~