Learning Patience: A Journey of Self-Discovery

I have been forced to learn a lot about myself the last three years and one of the things I’ve learned is I need to get better with patience. Not only with life but mostly with people. I always thought I was a relatively patient person until I started trying to really learn what it meant to be patient...evidently, I’m not very patient. Not with doctors, results, or most anything.But what does it mean really? Well, the Bible tells us it’s a visible fruit as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Basically it is waiting for, looking and hoping for, expecting, persevering, enduring, bearing, remaining and abiding. That’s a lot for us, but God is the king if patience. He’s been putting up with our crap for a loooong time. “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.”Psalms 37:7-8 You see, for me, I lose patience when other people don’t live up to my expectations. And I’m learning that this attitude stems from pride, and Satan uses it to provoke us to anger and sin. Regretfully, it happens. We need to be slow to respond when people don’t live up to our expectations. Choose to respond with understanding and patience.Lastly, we need to be patient in our waiting. This produces endurance in the faith of the plans God has for us. We need to be praying for patience for His timing and stand fast in our faith until it is revealed. Be Nice. Grace Wins.