The Fruit of The Spirit Series: Patience

Y'all, I'm so glad to be able to guest post in Mary-Keith's space! I've had the pleasure of getting to know her a little bit more over the past couple of months.  She's funny, down to earth and just one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet.  When she asked if I would be a part of her Fruit of the Spirit series, I knew I couldn't say no! I mean, really? How can you say no to that face? 

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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 
Galatians 5:22-23

Forbearance, or patience, is something I've struggled with since I was a child and I would be lying if I said I've conquered it.  However, as I've grown in the Lord and as He has worked on me, I've learned a little more about what being patient truly means. 

Our lives are go, go, go.  After completing a task, we are always off looking for the next one. It seems, nowadays, that we just can't sit still.  Sure, we pray about what direction we need to go in but do we really want to wait around and see where He leads us? Nope.  At least, I don't.  I'll pray for days, weeks, months even, and He won't reveal where He would like me to go so I just decide for myself.  And more times than not, it ends in disaster.  Romans 8:25 says, But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.  We don't know the plans He has for us so it's not up to us to make up our own, we have to be patient in Him. 

It's hard, y'all. It's hard to be patient. And it's tiresome. As our patience wears out, so do we. Our bones start to ache, our heads start to hurt and we just feel so run down and like we can't keep waiting. But the Bible tells us that if we do wait,  our strength will be renewed and that we will soar on eagle's wings, we will run and not be weary, we will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31).   

How many of us are quick to anger?  So often we get into petty arguments and disagreements  because one (or both) of us blows our top before knowing all the facts.  So many times I've gotten my panties in a wad because the first sentence out of someone's mouth is one I do not agree with. I don't take the time to listen to the rest of the statement and I get angry.  I've worked on this, a lot, and while every once in a while I do get angry, I try to remember James 1:19-20, My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because  human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

For example, right now, my husband is being REALLY sweet by making my morning coffee and breakfast. However, he keeps interrupting me and it's causing my blood to boil a bit. Even though he's not being malicious or trying to interfere,  I feel annoyed because I'm working on something and he keeps coming in my office. Annnnnd as I type that, I realize that I need to be patient with him, in this moment. He loves me and he wants what is best for me. Heck, he's being patient right now because instead of spending time with him, I'm working on this post! I told y'all that God was working on me. :)

What do you do in those times that you are feeling impatient and anxious? 

Thank you so much, Sarah, for doing this post! I am so honored to have you guest posting for me! Just a reminder to anyone who didn't see: I have a Facebook page for my blog: Facebook Page Go over and Like it for updates! xoxo