All in Patience
Growing up with a "short fuse" on my dad's Scotch-Irish side, I quickly learned to blame my quick temper on my family background. For a long time, it was my easy excuse. But eventually, a deeper conviction set in: this wasn't just genetics; it was impatience and anger, plain and simple.
How long was your longest wilderness? A time when you walked on and on without seeing an end, an answer. Perhaps you are still there now. Have you asked God what He was up to in the midst of this wilderness?
Consider a string of yarn. It may be a pretty color and seem strong. Yet, one strand by itself does not serve much purpose.
“Ready mom?” a lady said as she made her way toward us. The young woman, wearing a bright- colored scarf over her bald head, greeted me as her mother gathered up her knitting. Saying goodbye to the two women, I watched as they disappeared into the parking lot.
Imagine along with me for a minute…
It is autumn in the spiritual fruit orchard. As you walk down the rows of trees, you notice something interesting. The harvest has been completed and the branches are bare, except for the fruit that remains on one kind the tree. You ask your companion what it is and he answers,
God longs for and tarries to lavish His lovingkindness on us. He honors those who do the same for Him! Waiting is purposeful, not inactive. Love waits and is long-suffering. I am so grateful to Him because I tend to tire quickly the older I get. Consider the following true story:
As the Texas temperatures rose to triple digits, they were no match for the parched feeling I had in my soul. I had been searching for a job and with each final interview round came a “No” – leaving my hopes dashed.
Confronted with examples and a clearer understanding of patience, I am challenged to grow beyond my adult version of patience—biting my tongue and deep breathing.
Mother taught me how to sew at a young age. At first, she personally handled the do-overs because removing stitches required too much patience for a child. Eventually, though, she announced, “Anyone who sews must also be willing to rip!”
In discipling a young believer from Central Asian, I often heard tales of the immense patience she has received from the Lord.
“Hold your horses!” Though I did not understand the phrase, I did know Mother intended me to settle-down-and-be-patient. I still struggle with patience, but God does not. It is part of His essence as well as His Son’s and His Holy Spirit’s.
