Patience…it’s a growing time for me
James 1:2-5 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its work…
Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, not sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law he meditates day and night.
I love to walk, and find when I walk alone, I pray and chit-chat with God. Sometimes, I notice some of the blessings—birds, flowers, or some other blessings He’s put in my path. Other times, I am honed in on a particular worry or concern, or am praying for a need for a family member or friend. Some needs are long term and require keeping the needs in my prayers for a long while; others seem to be answered quickly. Sometimes, His help may require an alteration in the prayer since circumstances may have changed– now there is a loss and the person needs comfort dealing with the sadness associated with it, or something else alters the circumstance.
But I find I walk more as I commune with my Father and I believe God answers prayers. I tend to listen better when I am away from distractions, and enjoying Him and the blessings around me.
There are times it takes longer for some prayers to be answered than others. Sometimes, I wonder if God is ignoring a plea or His timing is just not my timing; or perhaps my prayer is not to be answered according to my will, but as He wills it. When He deems it is right, the prayer will be answered.
It seems I have a bit more patience when I am waiting for a personal answer than when I am waiting for an answer for someone else. I guess because I have realized how selfish I can be, and strive to not be, and also I have learned God does not work on my timeframe. (I’ve also prayed for an increase in my patience…and it seems He has given me a modicum more!)
But when I am concerned for someone else, my old sinful nature of impatience surges forth, and I want the prayer answered now.
Regardless, I appreciate my time spent with Him, whether walking or studying the word. I feel better having regular prayer time, reading His word and peeling back the layers and how they apply to me. It is amazing to see how a verse I’ve read repeatedly, sometimes seems as though it was just added to His word. Suddenly, to my mind as it is specifically applying to my life and faults at THAT time. It brings me peace and comfort, and reminds me to slow…go with the flow…and wait for His perfect timing. Patience leads to peace, and I find great comfort in that peace.
God, thank you for reminding me it is best to wait on your perfect time for all ‘mybellaviews.’
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