The Attaining of Patience

"strengthened with all power . . . for the attaining of patience."

 It takes total reliance on the power of God to become a patient disciple--to let patience have its perfecting work in our lives. What are the characteristics of a patient saint? Consistency--not letting the circumstances of life or the behavior of others change who I am--is certainly one. If I let events or people keep me from being a kind, loving, compassionate Christian, I am lacking patience. If I "jump... to conclusions" about others and their motives, I am lacking in patience. If circumstances or people undermine that other fruit of the Spirit--self-control, I am lacking in patience. i believe it all comes down to that first descriptor of a true disciple--"If anyone will be my disciple, let him deny himself." The impatient saint is the self-centered saint, the saint who has put himself and what he wants, above others. He thinks only about his own needs and desires. Never, ever will he put the needs and desires of others above his own. And, of course, it takes the Spirit's power to "chip away" at my natural self-centeredness.
We need to pray for patience. Patience leaves room for spiritual growth in others. Patience empowers me to wait confidently on the good work God is doing in my life and others. Patience allows God to mold me into one who is faithful no matter what comes into my life--to be one of His faithful remnant in the worst of times. Patience enables me to be a listener, someone who people can come to for acceptance, loving advice, and encouragement. We have need of patience to become a mature disciple of Christ in whatever ministry God calls us to. Pray for patience.