Are you struggling with being patient with people right now? Are you becoming more edgy or impatient in fast food lines, grocery stores, the bank, or with friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, leaders and/or boss, or fellow church members? Again, are you struggling just a tiny bit or a whole lot in this department? You know…that moment in your life when you want to shout, “Lord, help me to be patient with people, please!”

Ever been there?

I’ve totally been there! Oh my goodness, have I been there? LOL! Why do you think I’m writing about it? If the Lord can use me to help someone else get through this…well, AMEN!

Okay. So let’s talk about it, sis. Where are you right now as it relates to this topic? What’s got you in such a hurry? What’s got you to a place where you are just so frustrated with people’s lack of movement or change? You’ve got to pinpoint it.

A couple of more questions, “What’s happening on the inside of you?” and “Why are you all of a sudden more edgy and less tolerant of someone else’s pace or growth these days?”

I believe when you and I begin experiencing a growing lack of patience with others or situations happening in our lives, we have to take an inside look. Meaning, it’s time to do a self-check and ask the honest question, “Why does this bother me so much?” I would venture to say that we need to check our own fruit basket (i.e. love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, humility, and self-control found in Galatians 5:22-23).

Again, personally, I’ve been there. Just about every time I pull into Dairy Queen with my daughter, she remembers the time when my favorite pina colada smoothie wasn’t done right. It was milky. I don’t like milk. So I asked the young lady handling my order to please make it over. Well, I had to wait again (longer), for something I thought should’ve been made perfectly and to my satisfaction. Crazy, right? But I had an impatient moment.

Now when I pull into Dairy Queen, if they get it wrong (which they have over and over again), I pause, breathe, and pray for patience and the right, gentle response…especially if my daughter is present. I’ve got to be the right example for her, as well. And so do you. People are watching how we deal with others. And God is looking for us to deal with them in love, humility, self-control and patience.

So the next time you get impatient with a friend, loved one, co-worker or co-laborer, or whomever, consider the above. Learn to be patient with people's spiritual and natural growth and movement. It's all about you making the right choice at the time. Granted, I know it's not easy. But it can be done, sis.

With that being said, here are a few Scriptures that I hope will help you when you become a little impatient with people in various situations:

  • James 1:19-20, “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger can never make things right in God’s sight.” (NLT)
  • 1 Corinthians 13:4-5, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (NIV)
  • Ephesians 4:2, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (NIV)
  • Romans 12:12, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (NIV)

Here’s also a little practical help. Realize that you really are in that moment (that “impatient” moment). Slow down enough to breathe, pray, and ask the Lord to help you to be steady in the moment. Renew your mind with the Word of God, and be mindful of your words, actions, and surroundings (especially if your kiddos or lost souls are around). Settle down enough to have the right response (fruit/good godly character).

You can do it, sis. You can be patient with people. Try it when it happens again.

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye

QUESTION: Again, are you struggling with being patient with people right now? Who is it? Or what is it that’s got you a little aggravated in this area? If you need prayer, don’t hesitate to request it here or email me at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. I’ll partner with you in prayer.

ALSO, just want to encourage you to grab my NEW book, “IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose!” ORDER IT TODAY right here! And if you already have it and have read it, please give me a REVIEW on Amazon.com. Thanks so much in advance.

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