Fruit of the Spirit: Patience
Patience.. hmmm, if you are anything like me, you are afraid to pray for it because you don't know what you'll have to go through to get it.
Galatians 6:9 tells us "not to be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not".
Thankfully, I trust God enough to know that he's going to come through. Otherwise, I would faint. We are all on a journey that only God knows when we will get there. It's the process and journey that make us want to give up & give in. Truth is, everyone's journey and pace looks a little differently, and we must believe that God is working it all out for our good. He knows all and sees all, and he knows what's best for us. We do not want to obtain what he has for us prematurely, so it is best to believe that we will receive what we are asking, knowing he has our best interest in mind. Are you single and tired of waiting? Are you waiting on that job promotion? Have you had enough of COVID-19 and just want to take the vacation already?
Are you wondering how long it will take for your family member to get it together? It will always be something that we are waiting on that only God knows when to release it to us.
Question: Would you give a 10-year old the keys to your car because he/she is so darn cute you can't resist? Let me answer that question for you: NO! You would not because you love them more and you want to protect them. Their safety is more important to you than their temporary happiness at that point. This is how God is with us. He's the father. We are his children, and he wants to protect us from "dangers seen and unseen". lol
Mathew 24:13 reads: "But he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved". We can take this literally and figuratively, just from the previous example. You know what could and probably would happen if you hand over those keys. You would most likely need to go rescue your child in order to save her life, so it is best to wait another 6-8 years before thinking about letting them drive. So too, God promises to save us if we endure the wait.
God is good and he will withhold no good thing from us. He doesn't care about your money or your dreams and goals. He doesn't need them. He is not petty and does not purposely sit back with his arms crossed laughing at us because we haven't received what we want. He does not power trip. Yes, all power is in his hands, and he would like nothing more than for you to have what you want. However, he has a purpose for us, and it is not until we are in line with his will, that he will grant us what we ask. Hebrews 10:36 tells us that "ye have need for patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise". Did you notice that it said "might receive" and not will receive? God is so serious about timing. His time is not like ours, but it is crucial that we wait on him!
I'll leave you with one last scripture. "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing". I love the promises of God! They are so much better than anything we could ask or think. That scripture alone should reassure you that having patience is good. It is the 4th fruit of the spirit and a gift from God. It is for your good, to nourish your soul.
Prayer: God, we thank you for the fruit of patience that only comes from you. Help us to relax and not grow weary while we wait. Thank you for promising us to be perfect, and wanting nothing if we wait on you. You are good and so worthy of all of our praise. Help us to be more like you and think more like you, so when trials come, we can count it all joy! In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Tameka
Founder of ProjeXX