Think about this for a moment: What if God was not patient with us? Would we still be here? Or would we have a one way ticket in the opposite direction..? He wanted to teach us patience through his nurturing and kindness. However, even God's patience has been tested at times. Genesis 6:1 "God saw how great wickedness had become and decided to wipe mankind from the face of the earth." His loss of patience is different from ours, though. He has the ultimate plan for everything and always calms the storm after His wrath rages through. I think that the reason he wanted us to learn patience and exercise it in life is because without it, we could not find peace.
I don't know of alot of people who are peaceful when they are aggravated, trying to control irritation to the thing that is bothering them. I do know this though: When I was at ADORE (my youth group's conference in PA), I came with a spiritually impatient mindset. It was as if I listed everything I expected out of God, and if He took too long then I would go on my merry way. When worship started, my one friend came up to me to tell me how much they cherished me as a friend and wanted to build our friendship. It was definitely a humbling experience for me and I knew it was God's way of saying things always come in his time and I needed to have the patience/faith to go along with his plans. There wasn't to be any hesitation or doubt involved.
After that incident, it felt like I was just being wrapped in a huge hug by somebody, but no one was there. Then I felt this incredible warmth and I realized something. I was at complete peace in my spirit, which is another healthy fruit, maybe one of the most important. All of the things that had been tugging at my heart seemed to fall off of me and drift away. I wasn't worried. I wasn't scared. All I was focusing on was the Lord, and that calmed me more than anything ever had in my life. To be at peace with an Almighty God is a great feeling, but to know that He is responsible for instilling that tranquility into your soul is greater.
Dear Lord, I know I ask for so much already, but I pray that you help all of your sons and daughters to feel Your peace. It is so much easier to love, have joy, and be patient when there is nothing holding us down or pestering us. Bless those who are hurting and who are on the fence when it comes to seeking You. I also pray that You continue to bless those who have found You and that they will stay on this track with you forever. I love You with all the capacity in my heart, and You know that. In Jesus's name, Amen.
The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. (Psalm 29:11)
