Patiently Endure

These past few months have been very trying for me, as I was admitted to the hospital three times in a matter of four weeks. I was in pain, exhausted and wondering how much longer until I would be able to dive back into my life. After all, I have things to do; I don't have time to be derailed by illness.

Many of us have forgotten the path of patience we must take to get to the next level  in our relationship with Christ. Sometimes that means enduring suffering. Having patience has been rejected by a society thriving on instant gratification, faster technology, and a fear of commitment. We want it now, or we don't want it at all. Even committing to a two-year cell phone agreement is considered a courageous feat these days. No wonder we balk when we hear the word "patience." Our culture has denied it, and most of us have forgotten it.

To discover God's dream for our lives, we've got to rediscover the forgotten path. Surely the path is paved with patience, but if you live your life constantly trying other routes, hoping that a quick devotion in the morning and a 10 second prayer for your neighbor with cancer will get you to the next level, you're likely to grow frustrated and resentful. We learn patience as we embrace tough times.

When you're facing difficult times, remember the hope found in the Easter story. Life can come after loss, and we can bear it because of Christ. The question isn't whether you will have tragedy and loss in your life. Those are givens. The question is...what will you decide to do with it? Will it take you under? Will it make you stronger? Will it take you deeper? Will you allow God to use if for His glory?

So Lord, I know it is daring to pray for patience, because that usually opens the door to difficulties. But the important lessons You desire us to learn usually do. So, teach me patience Lord. Patience to endure hard times and loss, patience to see that difficulties draw me nearer to You. Bring me to a higher level of relationship with You through the tough times in life. Amen.

Connie Hanten, BCMCLC

"Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:4 NKJV