Patience Under Fire

James 1:3-4- "You know that when your faith is tested, you learn to be patient in suffering. If you let that patience work in you, the end result will be good. You will be mature and complete. You will be all that God wants you to be."

       In our fast paced world it is not hard to understand that our patience can and will be tried and tested on a daily  basis. We often find ourselves in the midst of long lines; whether it is traffic on the freeway, at the store check out or even while out trying to get a bite to eat at our favorite restaurant. We join the ranks of others who try to also occupy the limited space available. As Christians it is not only good training for us to practice patience for the sake of keeping our peace,but it is wonderfully beneficial for us because God promises it will be "good". This goodness is not just some fleeting feeling of well being and joy that comes from conquering the difficult situations, it entails much more than that. With each victory of being patient in strangely aggravating situations; with each conquest of staying in control when waiting seems futile; with every kind word we share to calm someone else's frustration while we wait, God's glory builds within us and we magnify his love. 

       1 Corinthians 13:4 tells us that love is PATIENT and love is kind.  As we glorify God through our actions ( or sometimes our patience requires that we do nothing) we exemplify the maturity of our walk with Jesus. Think about how people look who lose their composure in public and yell at waiters or sales clerks out of impatient frustration. Think about how crazy road raging drivers stuck in bumper to bumper traffic look when the lay on their horns blowing louder than Gabriel has ever tooted his trumpet. To the rest of us they seem insane because they have lost their peace. 

       The Hebrew world for peace is Shalom which entails not only a feeling of solace but it also means completeness or wholeness. When we are in the peace of God nothing is lacking!  We know the tests are coming so be prepared to let God fight the battles. If you expect there will be a need to wait take something to occupy your time,,,a book...a friend... If patience is needed to deal with personalities turn them over to God and believe it or not silence can often give you the time you need to stay in control.  yes...counting to ten works.... Sometimes you might need to count to 20! If you feel you need to count to 30 it might be best to simply walk away.  Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn