Patience

Webster's definitions: 1. Bearing pain or trials without complaint. 2. Showing self-control, calm
Greek-Cheerful or hopeful endurance, constancy-enduring, waiting

Patience in Waiting
This goes with the first Webster definition: Bearing pain or trials without complaint. Greek: Enduring and waiting. Patience in trials is difficult. This is where we trust God to let His plan unfold. We all have our own trials that God is patiently waiting for us to be patient about. Often He won't resolve the problem or trial until we have learned to trust Him and be patient.

Patience in waiting also goes for our future spouses. That takes a lot of patience sometimes! Don't give up! Remember that he/she also has to be patient. The best thing you can do when you are getting impatient is to pray for him/her.

Now for the second Webster definition (showing self-control-calm), which goes with the first Greek definition (cheerful endurance). What mainly comes to mind for me is siblings. Being patient with them can definitely be a struggle sometimes! Normally when I am having trouble being patient with one of my younger siblings, it is helpful to me to *try* to look at them from God's eyes. Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him (Psalm 127:3). They are a blessing straight from God! He put each of them in my life for a purpose. Listening to them, helping them, etc. is a diligence exercise and assignment from the Lord.

Patience is another fruit that can help easily define a Christian. Make sure the world sees your patience in everything.

♪ Be patient, be patient,
don't be in such a hurry.
If you are impatient,
you'll only start to worry.
Remember, remember, that God is patient too,
remember all the times that others had to wait for you! ♫

Haha... a song we learned when we were little. :D

In Christ,
Marissa