Bulletin Articles
Practicing Patience
Practicing Patience
Dictionary.com defines patience as "an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay." During a recent study, a few thoughts came to mind on how this definition applies to our individual relationship with God. My initial thoughts go to the incredible amount of patience our Lord shows with us through all of our flaws and shortcomings. I Peter 2:20 says, "For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God." This scripture reminds us that no matter what we go through, how we handle it, is most important to our Lord. Are we practicing Godly patience in our lives?
James 1: 3-4 states, "knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." There is no doubt that we all face tests daily. But the more we can live by the definition of patience and God's example, the stronger our relationship with him can become.
When things don't happen on our time or the way we envision, how do we react? Psalms 37:7 reads, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass." Are you waiting patiently on what God has in store for you, or are you leaning in to your own wants and desires?
Our heavenly father is the ultimate provider! Philippians 4:6-7 states, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." This reminds us to go talk to God and be thankful for how he provides for us all.
I encourage us all to try to practice patience and turning our burdens over to the Lord in order to find peace through any troubles. Jesus tells us how to find peace by coming to him in the book of John. In John 16:33, Jesus says "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Let's rest in the knowledge that we are more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37) and we will be blessed with the strength to practice patience. I hope these words encourage you to draw nearer to God as you go throughout the week!
-Will Birdsong
