By Grace Through Faith

I think we can all say we have had issues with patience before. Whether that is with wanting to get out of traffic faster or wanting a specific thing to happen right now. We think we know what is best for us, and we want to have control over the situation.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9

However, God’s ways are always so much better than our own. He always has a better plan in store, even when we can’t see how everything is going to work out at the moment.

But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. – Romans 8:25

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT PATIENCE:

I think the concept of patience correlates with the concept of faith. To have faith and to be faithful, patience plays a role in that too. Having faith in God means trusting Him and being patient with Him. However, being patient is not as easy as it seems.

And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. – Hebrews 6:11-12

Especially during recent times, patience is something that we have all probably been working on right now. We don’t know when the pandemic will get better nor do we know how things are going to play out afterward.

But as Christ-followers, we are told to be imitators of faith and patience. There are a lot of people who are struggling with faith and patience in the world right now. Maybe you are too. But we have to remember that our God is always in control, and we are representing Him. We are called to be a representation of Christ and bear patience during this season.

REAL-LIFE PATIENCE:

We get told to have patience in our life, but how do we really live with patience?

First, ask for it. When we seek patience in our lives, the first step is to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to work in us. The Holy Spirit has so much power within us. When we present our requests to the Lord, He can work within us and provide us the things we need.

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. – Mark 11:24

Second, know your triggers. What are the things that trigger you to become impatient? I think this part of the process might be the one that takes some time figuring out. However, noticing the things in your life that cause you to struggle with patience is very helpful in your walk with Christ.

For me, comparison causes me to become impatient. I want what those other people have, but I’m not at that point in my life. I have to reflect on knowing that God created me and has a unique purpose for my life. I am right where I need to be.

Third, learn how to respond to those triggers. We can’t always control our exposure to the things that trigger us or tempt us to become impatient. However, we can control our response to them. Maybe that is to start saying something in your head to bring some patience to yourself. Or close your eyes and just pray.

And finally, practice practice practice. There will be some days where patience will be hard to hold onto. We’re human. We are not perfect. However, we can still strive to be better. We can always try to be better than we were yesterday. But you have to offer yourself grace on those difficult days too.

Hope you are able to be comforted with patience this week and enjoy the season God has you in right now.

With love,

Claire