Garden of your heart

"Be Patient"

Patience.....it's something that we all need, yet sometimes so hard to obtain!  Why is that?  Our society is such a fast paced society!   Everyone is in a hurry!  There is always so much to get done!  When/If we do not have time to cook a homemade meal, we don't have to worry, there are tons of fast food restaurants, or premade foods at the grocery store that we can heat up in a hurry.  We are used to "quick fixes".   We have been blessed for so long with a country that hasn't had a lot of struggles (at least in my lifetime).   So, in all honesty, we are spoiled!  We (as a society) think we "deserve" much.  We think that if we do not get quick service at a store that we have a "right" to be angry.  We get in our cars (especially here in California) and because we are late for something think everyone else should get out of our way.  We push....push....push.....we hurry....hurry....hurry.....and seldom do we hold back and say I am going to be patient.  We can be patient with the person who made a mistake ringing something up at the cash register.  We can be patient when someone is driving slow in the fast lane on the freeway.  We can be patient a family member who is not changing in a way we think they should.  We can be patient with God who works all things out for our God for those who love God and are called according to his purpose (Rom 8:28).  Yet, so often we take that impatient to our relationship with God as well.  We get demanding....maybe we dont' realize we are doing that.  We get angry or bitter when we don't see God working as fast as we want in a situation.  We get impatient, waiting for his return. 

So, how do we get patience?  Well, in Galations 5:22-23 it is a fruit of the Spirit.  We need to be abiding in Christ (John 15) and allow the Holy Spirit to have free reign in us to conform us into the image of Christ.  We can't obtain this all on our own...I know...I have tried on my own strength and failed.  No, we need the Holy Spirit's work in our life.  We need to abide in Christ!  We need to be in His Word to allow His word to stir in us, to convict, to teach.  We need each other to rub shoulders with:  As Iron Sharpens Iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs).    This Christmas season, it is easy to allow impatience to rule as we have so much to do.   Maybe we have family members that are difficult that we have to spend time with.  We need to be patient.  We need to yield to the Holy Spirit in our life.  We need to ask for wisdom!  In James in says to ask and God will give wisdom. 

What area's are you impatient in?  (for me...in too many things).  Are you willing and ready to allow God to work to develop a patience in you that can only be to the credit of our Father in heaven?   I know that I am!!!!!!!  :)  Lord, please help develop this characteristic/fruit in my life!  May it be all for Your glory!