Being Patient

2 Peter 3:9  "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."



       Patience is one of the nine Fruits of the Spirit.  It is probably my least produced fruit that I struggle to bear,  with the help of the Vine.   “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." Patience for me is like a slippery fish, just when I think I've got a grasp on it then I let it slip out of my hands or my mouth.  Patience is a waiting game of the nerves, either you control it or it controls you and your reactions.
       The caption above gives me something to sit down and think about, just like the teddy bear.  "Be as patient with others as God is with you."  Whoa, whoa, whoa!  That's different, right?  Doesn't God know I have time limits, an agenda with purpose for the day and aren't I important too?  Yes, God might ask those same exact questions of us too. Yet, He is patient beyond measure waiting and working on us to turn to Him.  Why?  Because,  He promises to finish the good work He started in each of us and that takes time.
       Patience is the outcome of a learning process that works on our ability to self-control ourselves during a waiting period.  Do we have the 'willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay?"  We get impatient so quickly.  "It has never been easy to be patient, but it's probably harder now than at any time in history. In a world where messages and information can be sent across the world instantly, everything is available with only a few clicks of the mouse." 
       We not only lose patience with others, but God as well.  How long, Lord, how much longer must I wait?  Our impatience leads to doubt of His faithfulness, failure to continue praying and loss of hope.   From DesiringGod....."“Wait” is the most precious answer God can give us. It makes us cling to him rather than cling to an outcome. God knows what I need. I do not. He sees the future. I cannot. His perspective is eternal. Mine is not. He will give me what is best for me. When it is best for me. As Paul Tripp says, “Waiting is not just about what I get at the end of the wait, but about who I become as I wait.”"
      Is the struggle with patience making you better or bitter?  Do you rush and make life no fun?   "Patience with family is love, Patience with others is respect.  Patience with self is confidence and Patience with God is faith."