What is patience? It is not waiting for something. It is what we do whilst we are waiting for something. It is our behaviour whilst we have to wait. It is our state of mind during that period of waiting and expectation.
Do we fret? Do we worry? Do we pace up and down wondering what will happen next? Do we imagine all sorts of bad things happening? Do we wonder whether God is listening, caring, or whether He loves us at all? Has He forgotten us? Abandoned us in our hour of need?
Patience is a description of our behaviour. It is easy to say that our behaviour should be God-centered and that we should trust Him in everything. It's the sort of thing many Christians say when someone is in some difficulty.
I don't think this helps. When someone is starving you give him something to eat, you don't quote the Bible at him.
In the same way, when someone is hurting you should offer them practical help if you can; not tell them to trust in God. If practical help is not possible offer to pray for them and do so with all your heart.
We pray, and pray and pray and wait ... patiently. Do not rush God. Do not give Him deadlines or advice on what He should do.
You'd be surprised how many people there are who want to serve God in an advisory capacity.
Good patience is praying with confidence - whilst we wait.
As every parent knows, when children go on and on pestering for
something or other, eventually, because we love them, we may well give
way and answer their demands.
In fact, Jesus reminds us of this when He mentions the widow who kept
pestering the judge day in day out until eventually he gave way and gave
her what she wanted. (Luke Chapter 18). In this parable Jesus teaches
us not to be discouraged and to continue praying to God our Father for
our needs or that of others.
That is what patience should be. To pray in full confidence that God will look after us as a good parent cares for his children.
...patience is something that I'm not blessed with.
ReplyDeleteI went to see the doctor. He had a lot of patience. They were all waiting in the waiting-room.
DeleteGod bless, Tom.
I agree with Tom - I try to be patient though.
ReplyDeletePatience is a virtue; but I haven't got the time to check what virtue means.
DeleteKeep smiling and God bless, Sandie.
When I think of how God has been so patient with me, it does help me to be patient with others. Am I always? NO! But I'm trying, and with Jesus' help, I can hope to get there one day. Blessings, Victor!
ReplyDeleteI wish I was more patient with other people; but I really haven't got the time to wait for them ... why don't they hurry up?
DeleteLike you, I'm trying too ... honest I am.
God bless, Martha.
Ahhh yes, but getting this into my head is a problem:
ReplyDelete.....patience? It is not waiting for something. It is what we do whilst we are waiting for something. ,,, but as I wait I think I am guilty of your statement:..... You'd be surprised how many people there are who want to serve God in an advisory capacity..... I am working on it, and thanks for the encouragement. SWEET!
Love from over here in the back yard..... jack & sherry...
I am guilty too Jack, of advising God on what to do. It's my lack of patience I suppose.
DeleteGlad to note you're back home in your back yard. Have a rest from all that travelling. God bless you and Sherry. Best wishes.
What common-sense advice! Serving God in an "Advisory Capacity" is one of my favorite of your sayings, Victor. (albeit, guilty as charged.) Let's all continue to encourage one another.
ReplyDeleteDon't feel so guilty, Mevely. I often suggest to God what He should or should not do. Thankfully, He does not take my advice.
DeleteGod bless dear friend.
Patience seems like a project to work on that has no ending. I try, I fail but I keep on trying and maybe someday I'll achieve it.
ReplyDeleteI know exactly how you feel, Bill. I try to be patient but I quickly run out of patience waiting.
DeleteGod bless you.