Volume 90: Rest in Patience

 

This morning, I spent time processing some insecurities I've recently been feeling about being single and some aspects of my job. 

As I processed, I prayed for God's will to be done. I prayed for clarity. I prayed for humility. 

But you know what I didn't think to pray for? 

PATIENCE!

Until I was heading to Hot Springs and played a random episode from Tim Keller on patience. 

James 5:7-12 --- Be PATIENT therefore brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers so taht your may not be judged; behold the judge is standing at the door. As an example of sufferring and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. 

• The model is the farmer. Only if you stay put will you really get the harvest. 
• If you're obedient to Him, the rains WILL come. You may not know how they will come. 
• Disobedience is never justified. 
• Patience with people flows out of patience with God. 
• Impatience stems from self-pity. 
• Blessed is total and complete fulfillment that comes from relationship with God. 
• God loves patient hearts.

John Newton stated, "EVERYTHING IS NECESSARY, WHICH GOD SENDS. NOTHING IS NECESSARY, WHICH GOD WITHHOLDS."

May I grow in my patience! And trust that nothing God does is a mistake. And no matter how much I long for it, I am not in control of my life! And in the long run, that is for the best!