Patience part 1
I really think a lot of the time we are a microwave society. We want it hot and now, if I can say it that way. Instant gratification. We have this snapshot mentality where we think what is happening right now is somehow what has always happened and what will always happen. When we know (and a deeper level) that that's just not true. We know that it came to pass, not to stay. We know that all things are working together for our good. We just need the patience to let things play out. Rome wasn't built in a day, as they say. So here's my memory verse for today, and for this Rant series, "In your patience possess ye your souls" (Luke 21:19). When we lose control because of whatever is happening around us... we also lose control of what's in us. We lose ourselves. But if we can be patient with people (and places, and things) we can continue to be who we are (who we really are, which is who we are in Christ, which is who Christ is in us) no matter what. Look at Romans 5:3, "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience." You can have patience at all times, right? But when you really need it... is when you really need it. What's that old saying? Christians are like teabags. If you want to know who they really are, you have to put them in hot water. That's when our true selves, our true nature, is revealed. It's easy to be nice when there's no one to be mean to. It's easy to be calm when there's nothing going on. I quote the verse where Jesus talks about tribulations a lot. In fact, I'm going to do it again right now. "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Again--it's easy to be of good cheer when things are going well. A bit more difficult to be of good cheer in the midst of trial and tribulation. That's the key though: It's not about US and what we can do in our OWN power. It's about Jesus. He is our peace. And I quoted Romans 5:3 about tribulation working patience because it's important to understand that patience is like a muscle. It grows as you use it. As you exercise it. I'm a pretty patient dude. I'm hard to bother. But that doesn't mean I never lose my cool. And I'm working on that. People always say, "If you ask God for patience He will give you opportunities to be patient." I get that. But, at the same time, in the midst of those opportunities to be patient (which will come at you whether you ask for them or not), God IS our patience. He is our longsuffering. Our very present help in times of trouble. He doesn't just cross His arms and say, "Good luck. Hope you're patient enough to endure this." No. He's right there with us. Arms open wide. Giving us everything we need by giving us everything He has--everything He is. Without God (LOVE) there can be no patience. Because love is the rock that we stand on when things get shaky. "I know I'm going to be ok, because I know my Daddy loves me." That's my blessed assurance that eqiups and empowers me to be able to be patient. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Including getting through what I'm going through. With good cheer. And mercy. And grace. And forgiveness. And love. And patience!