Being Patient

Being patient can sometimes be the most difficult work one can do.  Our natural tendency is to want things to happen quickly once we see a course of action.  Allowing the time for things to take their natural path to conclusion can be stressful.  Stress is draining, just like physical labor.  It makes us tired and often, irritable.  Waiting is hard for most of us.

Many things through the years have forced me to be patient.  I suppose that is an interesting choice of words -- forced.  It seems the antithesis of patience.  Enforced waiting would be a better way to describe the situation.  The result is learning to accept that there are times when we must allow events to occur in the correct sequence in order to obtain the desired results.

Impatience is the opposite of faith.

Faith is believing that events will unfold according to a plan that is often beyond our comprehension while accepting that the result will be what is most desirable.  Face it, we are not omniscient, nor are we able to control everything that can affect events leading to a desired outcome.  Sometimes, our lack of knowledge obscures the fact that what we desire may not be truly desirable.  Things don't always turn out to our expectations.  Once again, it is the journey, not the destination.

I believe one of the most important areas of growth for a Christian is faith.  We must learn to accept that God is in control and knows what is best for each one of us.  We must also accept that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose."  That is the key -- His purpose.  In choosing to place our faith in Him we choose the position of adopted son, or daughter.  It is a subordinate position, yet a favored one.  He has our best interest in mind, just as we desire the best for our own children.

Patience is faith.

The passage of time is merely our arbitrary measurement of our lack of faith.