Pray For Patience

But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control.  There is no law against such things as these.

Galatians 5:22-23

I had a friend mention to me yesterday that she has been told to never pray for patience.  I smiled as I read her text and thought about the many times I have heard that statement.  I'm sure you have either said it yourself, or heard someone tell you to never pray for patience, but the more I think about it, it's a virtue we all need in life.  Patience is a fruit of the Spirit.  As we grow and mature in our faith we should possess these fruits and they should be a part of who we are in all circumstances.  It is a goal to have all of these fruits someday by going through troubles that grow us into a more Christ-like character.  Praying for patience will bring us trials to grow us in patience, and as scary as it might seem, we can't shy away from that.  If we call ourselves Christians we should desire to be like Christ and that might mean learning patience.  It might mean we have to go through trials and endure some tough circumstances before can possess patience.

My daughter broke her leg one week ago.  She had to miss the rest of volleyball camp, has to sit out the rest of softball season and is facing dropping out of 4h because of that unfortunate incident.  While I ask God to teach her patience in all of this I know it will come with pain and frustration in her life.  Learning patience is never easy and might possibly be the hardest thing to learn for some people.  It is never easy to be placed in a position of waiting on the things you desire or having to say no to the things you love.  But in all of the waiting God has something way more special for us all to learn.  He has a gift to give us in the end that will draw us closer to being like Jesus, and when we put all things aside, that should really be all we want and need in life.

Friend, if you are impatient then start praying for patience today.  Don't be afraid of the trial that waits because God will never give you something that He can't help you grow from and turn into something much greater.  Don't be afraid of being more like Christ, but embrace your chance to grow! Dear God give us love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self control.  We desire to be more like you and we trust that your ways are higher than our own.  We will not be afraid but stand in awe of the power you hold and the strength that you provide.  Grow us and make us holy.  In Jesus' Name...........Amen