Praying for Patience

As a young child, my mom taught my sister and I many songs. Music was a big part of our lives. Both of my parents sang and my mom was always the church pianist or organist as far back as I can remember. On special occasions she’d even break out the harpsichord (you younger folks may need to google that one). Anyway, one of the songs she taught us went like this…

Have patience, have patience, Don’t be in such a hurry. When you get impatient, you only start to worry. Remember, remember, that God is patient too, so think of all the times when others have to wait for you!

It’s funny how often that little tune enters my mind at the most inopportune times.  In the grocery store line that hasn’t moved in what seems like 10 minutes, sitting behind a tractor going 15 miles an hour in a no passing zone….I’m sure you get it.  Recently though I have been bombarded with these situations, making me take a long, hard look at how my impatience was getting out of hand.  I added it to my daily prayer list – “Lord, please give me patience!”  EEEKKK… what?  Everyone I mentioned that to said “you DON’T ever pray for patience!”  Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard that too – all my life.  If you pray for patience, guess what?  You’ll probably find yourself tested – not only in lines at the grocery store, but the doctor’s office, the bank, the restaurant, the gas station…  And at times I’d start to think “Yeah, Linda!  What are you – crazy?  Praying for patience?!?!”, but then quickly I’d have to ask myself next “Do you want to change or do you want to stay your own sinful, impatient self?”

I’ve decided to press on in prayer for more patience in my life.  Not only that but compassion, kindness, love, gentleness – yes, it’s hard!  Standing in that line wanting to scream and tear my hair out, but then I’m reminded of my prayer, I look up and God gives me the grace to be still.  To smile, to slow down, to see that maybe that cashier is having a tough day and really needs someone to tell her Jesus loves her or maybe the farmer needs a huge smile and friendly wave (because, HELLO!!!  that poor guy is stuck on a vehicle day in and day out that will never go as fast as my car can take me).

Are you still saying as you read this, “Nope, sorry Linda, don’t include me in this one. I’m not praying for patience!”  So, do you not desire change?  Do you not desire to be a patient person?  We have to go through life’s lessons to grow and become that person that we desire to be and more importantly who God wants us to be.  If we refuse to even try, if we refuse to pray for changes in our heart like patience, we might as well just lay down and accept this “sickness” in us!  Yes, it is sickness!  And not to pray for change in our hearts is like knowing we need physical heart surgery but refusing to go to the Surgeon for help.  We know the surgery will hurt, be uncomfortable, and take time to heal but we also know it will help us to be a stronger person.

The same is true in our spiritual life.  What are you battling today?  Maybe it’s not impatience – maybe it’s stress, worry, fear, hopelessness….  There is nothing in this world that we face that God doesn’t allow.  And His Word says there is a reason for everything we face (Romans 8:28 says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” ). Are you too busy yelling at the car in front of you, screaming at your kids, seeking a divorce because your spouse’s behavior just doesn’t measure up…. Or are you saying “Lord, this circumstance has touched my life for a reason.  Father please show me what it is that you want to teach me.  What do you want to change in my heart through this?  I believe Your Word is true and even what the enemy plans for evil, You can turn to good – Genesis 50:20 (If I don’t have a temper tantrum and allow my flesh to take over instead of seeking you with ALL my heart).” It’s so easy to point fingers at others (a spouse, the guy on the tractor, a co-worker, our teenage child), and grumble about how “they” are messing up our “perfect” world, or to question God as to why things are happening.  Maybe it’s time to be still on the examination table, and to ask The Great Physician (God), what kind of surgery He is trying to do in us.  Since His Word IS TRUE, we know that this situation, this battle, this impossible person in our lives is there for a reason.  Do you know what that reason is?  Instead of looking at the struggle, why don’t we ask Him today, “Lord, why am I here? What do you want to teach me and change in me through this?  Mold me and make me after Your will – I need surgery – I need patience, selflessness, hope, peace, etc!  Here am I, Lord, change me!”

It may hurt, it may be a struggle, but after we’ve made it through, there will be a new person…a wiser person…a stronger person…a brighter light for Jesus!  Is that your heart’s desire?

By His Grace,

+Linda

P.S. On November 5th, we begin this Bible Study (pictured below) together online.  Will you join us?  It’s a really great guide of how to truly experience the Joy of the Lord being our strength – no matter what circumstance we are facing!  All you need is your Bible, the study guide, a pen, and setting aside a little time each day to seek Him!  You can purchase through Lifeway – click HERE to order.

And a side note – if you didn’t learn the “have patience” song as a child, here you go:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5mbIZ98q1E  (warning – it’s one of those that will stick in your brain forever…haha!)