“Love Is Patient” Part 2

what love is PATIENCE
 
by Dona Hake
We have probably all heard or possibly even spoken the comments that I am about to share…
 

“I am so impatient!”

“Why is it taking so long for my prayer to be answered?”

” I can’t take it any more.”

“This person just gets on my nerves and I cannot handle their faults any longer…”
 
 
 
 
On and on I could probably share the many things that run through our minds, and come out of our mouths when  our patience is being tested or running thin. In light of saying that I want to look at the book of James. I love the book of James. The Living Bible translates it like this:
 
 
 

James 1:2-4  (TLB)

“Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.”
 
 
 
I don’t know about you but sometimes the “not squirming” part can be very hard to resist! Believe me, James understood the soulish tendencies of man, and how one thinks when his or her faith is being
tested. We see from this scripture that in those times that circumstances seem to be stretching us to uncomfortable positions in our soul that God is doing a wonderful work within us.   When we are looking to God in the midst of any trying circumstance , we can  be assured that He is at work in us no matter how trying it may be.  I can testify that many times I have gone through trials, and attained wisdom in the midst of it because I purposed to seek Him in the midst of the storm.
 
 
 
 
Think about an area of your life that you seem a bit challenged in the realm of patience. We all have an area or two that we can identify where our patience needs some growing. I once again encourage you  to take that area to God, and ask Him with a humble heart to help you. As you take that particular thing to the Lord admit that you are weak, and you need His help. Determine yourself that with God’s help you will get through whatever trial you may be facing, and at the end of the day you will be a stronger person, stronger in  character, full and complete!
 
 
 
Philippians 2:13 (TLB)
“For God is at work within you, helping you obey him, and then helping you do what he wants.”