Patience is a virtue. I am sure many of you have heard this saying before. This is another one of those saying that did not come straight out of the Bible. However, we can see time and time again the importance of patience within the Bible. But, of course, what is patience? When you look it up, it is defined as the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. In the NKJV Bible, it uses the word long suffering rather than patience. In this day and age, I can’t help but feel like we are losing the ability to be patient.

            I mean think about it. If we want to know information about something, we can go to the internet and get countless articles on the subject within a few milliseconds. When we order something online, we have the ability to get it delivered that same day if not at least the next day. We have microwaves that heat up our food quickly. We have instant coffee. We have self-checkout lines that make shopping go a lot faster. We have drive-through’s to get food faster. With all these things and countless others that provide things as quickly as possible, how could we not lose any patience we have left? Well, sorry to say this to you, but God tells us to be patient.

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,” – Colossians 3:12

            Not many people understand the importance of patience. Most people think that patience only improves your character. However, when we become impatient, we may miss out on what God has to give us. His timing is perfect. I know that at times it may not seem like it, but that is because we become so impatient that we want what we want when we want it. We are brats like that. However, when we wait on Him and listen to Him, everything falls into place. God is faithful to fulfill His promises…you just need to wait on Him.

So, what exactly are we supposed to be patient about? EVERYTHING. The big things and the small things. When you are in line behind someone who is taking up all the time in the world…be patient. I know that you have places to go and things to do, but just be patient. When you’ve been out of a job for a while and are wondering if you will ever find a job…be patient. You do not know what God has in store for you. It may seem like the wise choice to just get the first job that comes your way, but God may have something better in mind. When you feel lonely and wonder if anyone will ever love you…be patient. God has someone amazing out there for you. Don’t go looking for them. When the time comes, God will bring them to you. I know it is easier said than done, but trust in the Lord and He will provide you with the strength and the patience you need.

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”- 2 Peter 3:9

I know it can be hard at times. I, myself, am doing my best to be patient as well. My husband and I want to start a family. We have been trying for almost a year now. Still no baby. I can feel the pressure of my age, the pressure from my family, and the pressure of the times. I can’t help but wonder at times if I will ever have a baby. However, as I read my Bible this morning, I read 2 Peter 3:9 and heard a voice in my head saying to wait a little longer. It would be so easy to panic and try to figure out what could possibly be wrong, but God is telling me to wait on Him and to trust in Him. I trust in God’s promises and I know that above all, I want to grow in Him more and more. I want to be a mom, but I am willing to wait on God because He knows when the time will be that I am truly ready to be a mom.

I don’t know how many of you read this. I pray that God uses me to inspire at least one of you. Giving your life to Jesus doesn’t mean that life will be easy, but it does mean that you will have someone who will provide you with everything you need to face life. I know that He has changed my life and I just want the same for all of you. I pray that God opens your hearts and that you may all see how desperately we all need Him. It is through Him that we are saved. When we give our lives to Him, everything else will be provided to you.

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” – Galatians 5:22-23