“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12
Patience is a virtue that cannot be rushed. The old joke is that you should never, ever, under any circumstances, pray for patience. The assumption is, of course, that God will answer—and, it is also assumed, you won’t like it one bit.
But what if patience is actually worth it?
Patience is a fruit of the Spirit after all. Which means it is the very heart and likeness of God. God is patient. And I’ve found His goodness and beauty are always worth imitating in the end. Maybe patience is worth it?
I wonder because patience comes at a price. I don’t get what I want, what I prefer, or what I think is best—at least not on my timetable. Patience means waiting. Patience requires release. Patience demands surrender. “Not my will but yours be done.”
Our family is waiting on a lot right now: a home, a sense of normalcy, a vaccine, a full Sanctuary, warmer days, an end to this awful pandemic, and more. I know you’re waiting on a lot as well. We’re all waiting.
Patience is the course and school is in session. Apparently we’ve been enrolled, whether we like it or not. This is one of the hardest classes we’ve ever taken. But the Professor is a subject matter expert. And His students go on to change the world. Maybe this is an opportunity in disguise?
Groaning with you in the waiting,
Pastor Philip
Thank you for your genuineness pastor. During this pandemic, I’ve been able to see how much I need God to grow on my patience, and how much I need to surrender to God.
Question, is there a quick way to share this blog on Social Media?