Let’s Be Patient
“…we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;” Romans 5:3
Webster’s Dictionary defines “patience” as the “ability to bear enduring pain, trouble, etc. without complaining, losing self-control, or making a disturbance.” Folks have been warned about praying for patience because it might end up being one of those “you better be careful what you pray for because you might just get it” experiences. The reason for that is real, bonafide patience only comes by experiencing trials. We desire patience in trials yet we don’t really want the trials that teach us patience. It is like any other subject that we tackle to broaden our horizons–we must be tested to prove that we are learning and/or growing in the subject matter. We don’t want to be like the one who prayed, “Lord, give me patience, and give it to me right now!”
Patience, like other growth processes, is built upon one experience after another. If it was possible that one could live year after year without hardships, disappointments, set backs, and heartaches, he or she would never learn patience, but would always expect everything to go his or her way. However, when tragedy strikes, he or she would be completely devastated and unable to function. I’ve never know anyone that did not have bad things happen in their lives. Those who are walking with Christ always manage to weather the storm, accepting the outcome with patience and grace while those who do not know Christ cannot experience the peace that only He can bring in times of heartache.
No one likes to go through hard times, but hard times are a part of life. As we develop patience, we also increase in faith and trust in Christ which is our ultimate purpose. Life can be really tough, but it is a lot more difficult without the presence of Christ in one’s life.