Thursday, April 1, 2010

Patience


"Patience means waiting without anxiety."
St. Francis de Sales
d
d
"Let you hope keep you joyful,
be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times."

Romans 12:12


How can I grow in patience?


James 5:7-8 Consider the farmers who eagerly look for the rains in the fall and spring. They patiently wait for the precious harvest to ripen.

Whether you're waiting for crops to ripen, a traffic jam to unsnarl, a child to mature, or God to perfect you, you can grow in patience by recognizing that these things take time and there is only so much you can do--if anything--to speed them up. A key to understanding God's will is to understand God's timing.

Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.

Habakkuk 2:3 If it seems slow, wait patiently for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.

You must wait patiently in prayer for God to do his work. Remember that God's plan will be accomplished--but not on your schedule.

Galatians 5:22
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience....

The more you let the Holy Spirit fill you and rule you, the more patient you will become. Fruit growing of all kinds, including the fruit of the Holy Spirit, takes time.


Is patience really worth working for?

Romans 15:5
May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other--each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other.

Colossians 1:11
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy.

Patience leads to harmony with others, endurance to handle difficult circumstances, and an expectant attitude of hope that things will get better. It demonstrates a thoughtful and careful attitude toward others' feelings. Anyone can be patient, but there is a higher level of patience that comes from God through his Holy Spirit's presence and work in our lives.

Ephesians 4:2 Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.

Patience is a characteristic of love. The more loving we become, the more we model the nature of God in our lives. God is incredibly patient. Loves requires us to be patient with those we love.

Hebrews 1-:36
Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

Patience is evidence of strength of character. Tested faith should grow patient endurance.

s
TouchPoints of Hope - God's answers for your daily needs ; pg 199-200; Choice Books, Manassas, VA, ISBN #0-8423-4229-X



No comments:

Post a Comment