SWEET FRUIT OF PATIENCE

Aristotle, a famous philosopher, once said, “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.”  After many years of looking for instant results, it’s challenging to do the hard work of confronting our issues while establishing a relationship with the God who has known us before we were even born. Is the result worth the effort? 

Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?  (Romans 2:4 NLT)

In God’s eyes, we are worthy to be pursued and rescued from our sin and brokenness.  God wants to help us begin a wonderful new life with Him in recovery.  God was patient with us until we chose to call out to Him in our helpless state. When we were not even conscious of God He was watching to see when our hearts would turn toward Him.  We need to be patient with each other until we come to unity in our faith in this amazing God who has been extremely patient with all of us.

But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.  (1 Timothy 1:16 NLT)

As we practice the principle of patience in all our ways, others may find hope as they see us change. Perhaps our experience, strength, and hope will nourish the hope of others, and give them the encouragement they need as they build their relationship with the God who loves and cares for them.

There are no instant solutions to developing patience.  Patience is the fruit of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives bringing us contentment and joy as we follow the ways of God.  We will experience God’s delight in us as we wholeheartedly follow Him regardless of the circumstances that may arise.  For those of us who have never known anyone to appreciate and affirm us, this is truly an amazing experience. 

For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment.  (1 Peter 2:19 NLT)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Help me to be patient in all my ways and in all circumstances.  Thank You for being patient with me as I struggled to believe that You would help me.  Amen