The steamy heat of summer is past. But the cooler days of fall haven't quite arrived. Sometimes it's difficult to be caught in between. It's not quite time to switch the thermostat from cool to warm, and it's too soon to pull out my long-sleeve shirts and sweaters . But hints of fall color have me eagerly anticipating a change.
Time to exercise a virtue I have yet to master - patience. From simple everyday events, to life's major stressors, all require varying degrees of waiting patiently. The dictionary defines the word 'patient' as: capable of bearing affliction with calmness; tolerant; persevering. All wonderful characteristics that don't come naturally. That's because patience, also referred to as long-suffering, is a result of the Holy Spirit's work in my life.
Waiting can be hard. But it also offers me an opportunity for growth. I can use this time of waiting to evaluate things. Is there anything I need to change? Something I need to do differently? The Apostle Paul offers some challenging words for me to consider, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us," (Hebrews 12:1; KJV).
My life is a journey. Others are watching. Times of waiting require patience. Will I give in to my impatience, charging ahead recklessly, or submit to the will of my Heavenly Father who knows exactly what I need? When I make the choice to run life's race with patience, times of waiting become opportunities to point others to the Savior.
On this journey of life, how do you view times of waiting? Do you get impatient? Are you willing to see waiting as an opportunity for growth? Focus on Jesus. Take a step toward patience and make the Savior known!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for times of waiting in my life. Help me to submit to the Holy Spirit, so I can develop the quality of patience. When others see this characteristic in my life, help me to be quick to point them to You. You are worthy of all of my praise. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Great thoughts! Having patience is difficult sometimes, but if we are so anxious and distracted in trying to rush a time in our life..we might miss out on something God has for us during that time. Thank you for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteLissa - Thanks for stopping by! Still relishing thoughts from my quiet time yesterday - Be still, and know that I am God - Psalm 46:10. Something about being still in His presence gives peace AND patience! Have a beautiful day! God bless!
ReplyDeleteAs usual, your timing is perfect. I just posted on FB how I've got butterflies in my stomach. I'm anticipating something and I have no idea what it is!
ReplyDeletePatience - a plague it is - is such a necessary lesson, but I fear I'll never quite complete this lesson.
I get very impatient! I am learning to wait expectantly, but just beginning to learn that, so waiting is still a little frustrating.
ReplyDeleteBut I love your thoughts on waiting as being opportunities to point others to the Savior. We often wait for something to happen so we can tell others about what God has done, but you're right in that during the wait we have great opportunities to witness.
Thanks
Oh bummer... the second post today on patience :) is the Holy Spirit trying to tell me (us) something?? Good post Maria, thanks for sharing, I love reading your insights, as always!
ReplyDeleteMaria,
ReplyDeleteYour blog is always an inspiration to me. I've awarded you the Versatile blogger award. You can see more about it at my post. marjilaine.blogspot.com
I get antsy at times in waiting, especially as a writer. It's in those times God reminds me of what He told Abraham when he was waiting on promises. "Do not be afraid...I am your exceedingly great reward." No matter what it is we're waiting on from God, God Himself is better than any other promise or gift! That settles my spirit every time! :)
ReplyDeleteMarji - Great to see you! Thanks for the sweet words of encouragement. You're wise to realize that learning patience is a lifelong lesson! Trials have a way of reminding me that I haven't arrived yet either! I'm so honored that you've awarded me with the Versatile blogger award!! Appreciate you, girl!! Have a great weekend and God bless!
ReplyDeleteKristen - Thanks for stopping by! I know I tend to want to get through that 'waiting' period as soon as possible, but there's value in just being still and knowing He's God! (Psalm 46:10) It's exciting to think that He's at work in our lives conforming us to the image of Christ! Have a beautiful weekend! :)
ReplyDeleteMarja - Funny, that same thing has happened to me this week on the subject of being still! Seems I have a tendency to dive into things (especially when it comes to 'fixing' things) rather than trust the Lord and let Him have control. Ouch! Have a great weekend, my friend! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteJess - Wow! Thanks for that wonderful insight! Just gave a lesson on Abraham and Sarah last night and read these verses. How true that He IS our 'exceeding great reward'! Appreciate the reminder. Have a fantastic weekend basking in your reward! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a good way to view the growing process - it truly is a journey! I confess to be a work in progress on my journey. :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Blessings,
Karen
I think the thing about being patient is that there's no way to do it in a hurry. :) I know I miss some of what God has for me when I fail to stop, be still, and give Him the space to be heard during my waiting times. I know that on the days I "skimp" on my time in the Word and in prayer, I am more likely to rush through the waiting times and miss the treasures that surface with patience.
ReplyDeleteI've come to view times of waiting as times for reflection and a call for great trust that there's a reason things are occurring at a slower pace than I would like. Waiting can be so hard because it often involves accepting rejection. In that case, I remember that man's rejection is God's protection. Things tend to happen for reasons we understand best in hindsight, so waiting has its positives.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you and yours.