The Fruit of Patience: Waiting…

In this life, we could be so impatient. Whether we’re waiting in a line at the store, drive-thru, gas station, or red light; or even for a job, ministry, marriage, or building something; or waiting for a test or trial to pass, we can sometimes be very impatient. And today you might say, “I know right?! However as Christians, God requires us to wait patiently in our circumstances (no matter how small or great). The reason being is because sometimes by us NOT waiting, we could really be preventing ourselves from receiving favor or a blessing; or from hurting ourselves or others unnecessarily. It boils down to knowing that God is working on the bigger picture. You know… the one that we can’t quite see yet (the one that’s best for us). Because no doubt, He sees ahead of us; yet sometimes we tend to forget that BIG factor…that He is at work. So today, we’re going to go a little bit deeper, and chat about the delicious fruit of patience. Yummy!

Now when I say delicious fruit of patience, you know that it is a figure of speech, because many of us also know that sometimes it’s not as tasty as it sounds (hint: fruit). But in all actuality, it is really good for us and it should taste good when we and others experience it from our lives. However, before we go further, let’s determine what the word patience really means. Webster defines it as the will or ability to wait or endure without complaint, steadiness, endurance, or perseverance in the performance of a task, and able to wait calmly for something desired. Wow! Pretty clear, huh? However, again, it’s not as easy as it appears. Yet, the Word of God is what helps us to activate its definition practically in our lives, if we allow it.

I have to share. Lately, I’ve been learning patience through various tests and trials. A Scripture that comes to mind ever so clearly is James 1:2-3 which says, “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 its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” This has so much meaning to me today, because I’ve lived it and know it to be true for myself. The reason why I can count it all joy is because I know that God has a purpose and plan for it all, and that it will work out for my good. And it's also good knowing that in the midst of the many trials, He’s not only working on my patience (i.e. waiting on Him to work out His perfect plan in my life and others), but spiritual growth and maturity, character,  and He's making me stronger in my faith. And it's all for His glory. It’s loaded!

Through waiting on God, I’ve also learned to embrace Romans 8:28-29 which encourages, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknew, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be firstborn among many brethren.”

It’s all about being Christ-like. God is interested in building character in us through the many trials and waiting seasons of our lives. Whether we’re waiting for a pain to pass, a loved one to get saved, financial strain to ease up, or to walk in our God-given destiny…patience is a character trait that we must possess. And let’s not forget that Jesus learned obedience through the things which he suffered (Hebrews 5:8). Patience also means long-suffering. So while we wait on change to happen in our lives, we are really partaking in Christ’s suffering. God is trying to make us stronger, and more effective for His service. But most importantly, He’s molding us into the image of His Son. Amen! Keep in mind the Scripture reference above,  it was predestined! (Romans 8:29) So let's embrace the fruit of patience, because I simply believe that God wants to bless us. We just have to be willing enough to wait for it. Love you sis!

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon. Let’s get ready from the Inside Out.

~Courtnaye

Thanks for reading! Like, comment, or share from my Facebook Fan Page and “Like” it while you’re there ( http://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye). Also feel absolutely free to leave a comment here! I’d love to get your feedback! I pray that God will continue to enlighten you to live for Him through His word in your daily life. Stay tuned for new blog posts every Monday at 7:30am on Inside Out with Courtnaye @  www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org.  Also, follow me on Twitter by inoutwcourtnaye. Thanks again![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]