But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things, there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
Fruitful Patience
Patience isn't waiting; it is how we wait.
Waiting is part of life. Whether it is waiting for the first day of school, getting your driver's license, or a wedding day, we have all experienced waiting.
Sometimes, it is the daily irritants of waiting in long lines for food, traffic jams, and sloth-led DMV visits.
Yet, there are times when waiting is faith-challenging.
When we wait while suffering or the news from a medical test or a call about the distant arrival of a loved one, it can be testing.
The core worry revealed in our lack of patience is that things will turn out differently than I want them to.
Bluntly, it is fretting that we won't get our way.
It is thinking, "God, You are not going to get this one right!".
It is our small attempt at playing God!
Patience is not something that comes naturally.
It is the supernatural expression of the inner dwelling of the Holy Spirit within us.
The core belief that allows us to bear (not produce) the fruit of patience is believing that our Abba Father is good and He will work all things to good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.
As you examine your life, what beliefs about God's love for you guide or stunt you in bearing the fruit of His presence?
Lord, may we wait patiently because You are good! May we learn to love Your ways that are much higher and more beautiful than ours. May we know at our core that You are good. Amen