"But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control..."--Galatians 5:22-23(TLB)
You've heard the sayings, "Patience is a virtue" and "Good things come to those who wait", right? We know these old sayings hold truth. We even begin to teach our children this principle from the time the are toddlers. "Wait your turn." "Be patient." "No, you may not have that now." We teach our children these life lessons because we want them to be affable people with good character, possessing strong qualities with a moral compass. So why is that for so many of us demonstrating patience is one of the most challenging things to do? Simply speaking, the human heart wants what it wants WHEN it wants it. When things are delayed or not moving fast enough we will quickly find that patience flies out the window!
I have found this to be true in working with individuals and families over the years. Initially, there is an earnest desire to experience change, the individual or family may starts off strong but because we do not have a magic wand--resolve soon dwindles because seeing meaningful change seems to be taking "too long". It's as if one is stuck in life's proverbial traffic jam with all internal alarms of anger, frustration, discontentment, and aggravation are sounding off!
Waiting can be tiresome and met with great disdain. It is in these moments that we must remember that they Holy Spirit is at work in our lives as evidenced by the fruit of patience.
If any of this resonates with you, I pray you receive the Good News as encouragement in your journey. All of us are prone to moments, times, and seasons of frustration during the waiting process. What is it that you are waiting on? Are you waiting on the healing of a soul wound? Are you waiting on a broken heart being healed? Are you waiting to overcome personal pain and disappointment? Does it seem to be taking too long? If so, please don't be discouraged. Allow patience to have its perfect work (James 1:4) in your life. Receive the fruit of patience, hold to the promises of God, and believe by faith that you will see the goodness of God manifested in your life (Psalm 27:13-14).
Greek Word Study
- Patience(G3115) makrothymia: endurance, perseverance, patience (Galatians 5:22)
- Patience(G5281) hypomone: patient enduring, cheerful hopeful endurance, steadfastness, the characteristic of a person who is not swerved from his person and loyalty to faith and piety even by the greatest trials and sufferings (James 1:4)
Prayer
Father in the name of Jesus, we pray for those who are experiencing impatience in the journey. We pray that you would speak to our hearts as only you can. We ask for you help, grace, and guidance in overcoming feelings of impatience, frustration, and despair. Silence the internal alarms that cause us to panic and make hasty decisions or grow weary and indifferent. We decree and declare that it is your desire that we experience life to the full; that we walk in peace, rest, comfort, wholeness, and wellness no matter where we are in our journey. We thank you for your peace that passes all understanding and that it is well with our souls in Jesus' name. Amen and so be it according to your word.
***Greek Word Study taken from Strong's Exhaustive Concordance***
