patienceHow do you define patience? Wikipedia defines patience as,

the state of endurance under difficult circumstances, which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without acting on annoyance/anger in a negative way; or exhibiting forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties.

Very few people seem to exhibit patience anymore. We have evolved into an instant gratification world.  Instead of taking the time to prepare delicious  meals for our families, we rely on microwaves and drive-thru windows with no control over what is in the food we’re feeding them. Instead of investing time and energy into exercising to lose weight, build muscle and become healthy, we swallow pill full of chemicals hoping they’ll do the trick.

We fail to recognize that the real blessing isn’t  in obtaining what we desire, but in the process of getting it. 

Patience is a character trait of the Lord [1 Corinthians 13:4, 1 John 4:8]. It is something we’re called to possess.

Galatians 5:22-23 tells us,

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness and self-control. [Italics mine]

Patience isn’t something we can gain on our own.  It is from the Lord, and we are to wear it as a garment in our daily life [Colossians 1:12]. So how do we obtain it? The same way we obtain any of the fruit of the Spirit, by being in His presence, studying His Word, and yielding to His ways.
What area of your life needs a little more patience? For me, the list is long.  I want to see Rescuing Hope spread across the nation to raise awareness of the atrocity of sex trafficking in America.  I want to easily run the 5K I’m training to run with my son. And so on, and so on…  What is at the top of your list? Where do you need patience in your life?
Why not take some time with the One who can provide it?