Waiting is hard to do.
When I think of waiting, I think of the Father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
“And He said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.” Luke 15:11-13
Crushed in every possible way, I imagine this Father knew he would need to hold patience in affliction. I believe this Father knew in his heart this would only be for a season. While not entirely knowing how long the season would last, he must have endured moments of deep grief. Possibly feelings of wonder or regret of giving his son his inheritance too early. There may have even been doubt that his son would ever come to the end of himself and return home to live out his original inheritance.
However, the Father remained in his position. He continued forward and provided for his estate with the older brother.
The spiritless phrase often spoken is, “Never pray for patience unless you want it tested.” I highly disagree with this phrase because we are told in Philippians 4:6 to pray about everything. If patience becomes the avoidance in our prayer life because of a possible outcome we don’t want to have happen; how can sowing and harvesting the fullness of patience ever happen sufficiently to benefit our spiritual growth? If there is partnership with the deception of this phrase, we are limiting Holy Spirit the very power impart to us the ever needing of patience to benefit us in our season. We need patience at every moment.
In the irritating, frustrating and uncomfortable moments, allow the revealing to rectify patience.
While you wait, continue to tend to the assignment God has given you. Because it is what you do with what you have that will grant you the capacity to remain patient. Moving forward and continuing to tend doesn't mean you have lost hope or have given up on the wait. When you are capable to tend, move forward, and steward what the Lord has provided, I believe this is proof you have harvested the fruit of patience.
Patience is an essential fruit from Holy Spirit and it is available for us to access at all times.
In order for us to harvest the fruit of patience, it requires us to hold a unique capacity to accept delay, hardship, or suffering undisturbed.
It is in the way we respond to our circumstances that produces the practice of patience. Providing us the opportunity to reap the bountiful harvest Holy Spirit wants to impart unto us.
“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.” Luke 15:20
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12
~ Stefanie Rodriguez
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