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Patience: Where did it go?

We know what the Bible says about patience; it is a Fruit of the Spirit. (Gal5:22.) It is a quality possessed by God “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as we think of slowness; He is patient with you not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.”(2 Peter 3:9 NIV)

Job demonstrated patience as his three friends tried to help him understand what had happened to him and why. The patience Job exercised was due to the fact that none of these three friends’ explanation got it exactly right.

The King James Version of the Bible uses a very unique word for patience—long-suffering. I find this word special; it defines the term in a way that leaves no doubt to the meaning of the word.

We see patience when we watch people work in the teaching capacity. Instructors exercise it when their students learn new information or techniques. Mothers potty training their toddlers find creative ways to teach them and lots of patience during the process.

Remembering the winter of 2013-2014, after the first snow came at the end of October 2014, I kept saying, “We had our snow, I’m ready for spring.” I knew it wouldn’t happen but I really didn’t want to have winter again. I have had to learn a new form of patience and an appreciation for snow.

This past winter, I learned that in the state of Kansas, the wheat crop was in danger because of the lack of snow. I realized that something that causes disruption to those who live in towns and cities is vital to the farmers and their livelihood in the Great Plains region of the United States.

The first summer we lived in our house, my husband and I visited a co-worker of his. The man’s wife offered to give us some strawberry plants for our garden. She said,” it takes three years for strawberry plants to bear. These plants are to bear this year.” I have often thought of the patience needed by those who grew them for part of their living.

As young Christians, we are advised not to pray for patience. The reasoning behind this outlook tells us that, if we do pray for it, God will give us circumstances in which we have to develop this asset.

What do we see in our 21Century world when we think of patience? I see a very bleak picture, Road rage, abusive treatment of children and the elderly, etc. Recently, a news story told of a mother who lost her life because of road rage by a young neighbor. Just this week, five local high school students were arrested for fighting on school property. The issue that caused the incident was a previous relationship between two of them.

As followers of Jesus, the main way we can do to show patience in today’s world is to lean on Him and pray to Him when we are under stress.

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

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