There are multiple definitions for patience, but my favorite is this:
Patience (n.) - quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence: to work with patience. (Dictionary.com)
I find this so beautiful. I've heard plenty of sermons on steadfastness and perseverance, but rarely do speakers relate these traits to patience. My mind wanders to the way water cuts in to a rock formation over the years. Yes, it takes steadfastness and perseverance, but I've realized that it also takes an incredible amount of patience. This quiet and steady patience creates something beautiful. Just Google search images of "water cutting in to rock formations" or something like that to see what I am talking about. It is absolutely breathtaking.
We have so much to learn from that strength. On that note, God has shown me a side of that patience that I have never seen before.
I once heard someone define patience as "being absolutely content in your atmosphere and circumstances, and not wishing you were somewhere else or someone else." So, I think patience is very alike to contentment by that definition.
Having this type of patience has not been easy. I find myself impatient to find out who God wants me to be. I want to sprint for the finish line, but if I start 3 miles out, I won't make it. I long for the day God whispers, "This is it. See that in the distance? It's the finish line. Give all you have, I will sustain you. Finish running the good race."
But I'm not there yet. And I urge you to not be so eager to make time pass quicker either. That time will pass anyway; and it's not about what is waiting on the finish line. The best part of all this is the steps it will take to get there. Every part, every struggle, every joy develops us into who we are meant to be.
So don't rush it. Be patient. Wait on God.
For we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. (Philippians 4:13)
One last thing about patience I want to share with you:
Be patient that God will lead you in the way you're meant to be.
I started college this past year, and found myself already stressing about which graduate school I will go to. I fight every day for perfect grades so I can attend whichever one I want.
But here's the thing. The idea that I think I have control over which one I go to is hilarious. That's not up to me. And God won't let something like a < 4.0 GPA keep him from putting you where you're meant to be. He won't close doors just because of a C or B grade.
Another example would be in finding a marriage partner. I know people at my school stress about getting that MRS. degree. I hear things that break my heart: "I'm not thin enough for him." "I'm not religious enough." "I'm not (insert your own misconceived shortcoming) enough."
This is the biggest lie. Be patient, and wait for that person that God created for you, and you ARE enough for. Anyway, this topic is another whole blog post in and of itself. But what I am trying to convey is that there is no list of qualifications and check lists that we have to fulfill to find a partner, or make it into the graduate school we want.
Remember, "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Don't ever forget, we are called. We have a purpose. And we have a God who loves us above all of it.
Be patient, and trust in that.
DTI
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