Waiting for Patience to Find Me

This entire month has really been a test on my patience. I feel like I'm in this "waiting phase" on every situation of my life and the Lord knows I'm not too good at waiting. I've had to force myself to just put my own "wants" behind me and focus on my Jesus and HIS timing that is ahead. Patience has not been an easy concept to grasp in my head when it comes to situations I've been waiting to see answers for. I've heard all about keeping the faith and trusting that God has it all in control (yeah, I believe that should always be the foundation). But it wasn't until I sought the verses out below, that I began to understand the patience that God can sustain. I know there are many more verses about patience but these few are what really encouraged me.

James 1:2-4 KJV

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

When I give up the thought that I can do things on my own and allow patience to "have her perfect work," my life will be filled and I will no longer have that impatient feeling overwhelming my emotions.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 KJV

"Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit."

This is what I must always remember! 

The END is better than the BEGINNING when Jesus is the CENTER!

Romans 5:3-6 KJV

"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."

That last line is all I need to get through my day. I think this is the first time I've actually read that line and felt joy from it. The New Living Translation of verse 6 will seriously bring a smile to your face: 

"When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners."

Utterly helpless. Without strength. Christ knew that I would have these moments. Moments I'd have to cast every ounce of my being on Him and wait patiently for His reply. Because His reply, whether a yes or no, is always for the better in my life.

Let these verses be an encouragement to you whether you're struggling with something today and something new tomorrow or you've held onto bad news for too long or even if things are just okay. You can hold onto these verses for when rough times embrace you. We were never intended to have a perfect life, just a perfect God to hold our hand and walk with us through it all.

A Voice in the Wilderness

When did November sneak its way into the beautiful fall colors tumbling from the trees? 

The holidays are my favorite time of the year, Thanksgiving and Christmas. What could be better than sharing your thankfulness with family and friends and celebrating Jesus! 

The testimonies become endless when we pause and see the grace God has shown us along with His relentless blessings.

Today when reading through Scriptures, I became in awe of John and his humbleness for his ministry and through his relationship with God. He knew he couldn't make it through life's wilderness alone.

 The moment I think I got it all under control is the moment I need to pause and pray a little harder, read a little deeper and fast a little longer.

The story in John 1:19-27 KJV isn't one that will knock your socks off but it goes like this:

"And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? and he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? That we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither the prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose."

When the priests and Levites asked John who he was, his reply in verse 23 should be the cry of our hearts. He said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord."

He made clear he was "just a voice" crying out. Voices are easy to get lost in the crowd or to fade away when nobody listens. But even in the wilderness John was a voice CRYING OUT! Not only did John stay in touch with his ministry but he wanted others to know of this wonderful, powerful, loving, merciful, almighty, counselor and redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Many times we get caught up in the wilderness with thoughts of ourselves, problems, stress, heartache or even perfect days and we forget to heed the call and be the voice to others that are hurting. We have the answer to every bad and evil thing the enemy throws at us! Why not share it?

John was humble and knew he was unworthy to even untie the sandals of our Savior. 

I have to break myself down, break my pride down and say "Wow, I am so unworthy to even experience the grace of God."

Even when you're hurting or your day has gone great, don't forget to be that voice in the wilderness. Take up your cross and follow the giver of life. Share the perfect love of God on the mountaintops and through your wilderness. 

Be that voice.