Patience is a Virtue!

So the last few weeks have been trying for me. I’m used to feeling as if I’m in control (I know we’ve talked about this before), even though logically I realize I have very little control of the things around me. I’m used to making quick decisions and powering through to a desired outcome, recognizing that everything is in God’s hands. Given that, the last few weeks have really reminded me how little control I actually have. 

For several months, I’ve been working with a real estate agent to find a home in Kansas City (KCMO) and while I’ve found some prospects, I don’t feel like I’ve found it. I don’t want to be too picky and overlook the good thing God has for me, but I also don’t want to settle. I got to KCMO a week and two days ago and I’m already tired of looking at houses, but I need one and I know that God will provide my every need (Phil 4:19). That said, I also want “my stuff.” Sorry to whine, but I do. I want the things I’m most comfortable with around me. But, I can’t get them until I have a place to put them. 

So, I’m having to take a step back and be patient on this journey. It is not something I’m known for in most situations. I’m used to making things happen. And now despite all my efforts, I can only wait for the right house to come on the market and to actually see it when it does. Not fun for me, because waiting doesn’t mean sitting around waiting for something to drop in our lap. It means doing the work in the meantime.  And I see how it is necessary for my own growth. James 1:4 tells us to let patience have her perfect work, that we may be perfect (mature) and complete, needing nothing. That is profound. If we let patience work in us, we will grow to be mature and complete needing nothing outside the Lord (because we always need Him). 

Delayed gratification is a work of patience. Have you ever gotten something right away that you wanted but knew you needed to wait for? I have and have thought later how much better off I would have been had I waited as I knew I should. There are other things I waited for and my joy and appreciation was so much greater when it finally came. 

Patience is a virtue, a behavior showing high moral standards. Patience is a display of self-control and that is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22). So, as you are on this journey through life consider self-control and patience that they would help grow you into a more mature and complete Child of God, needing nothing other than Him. Pray for me as I will pray that you, too, develop patience and wait for the amazing blessings God has for us.