Passionate Patience

There's more to come: 

We continue to shout our praise 

even when we're hemmed in with troubles, 

because we know how troubles can develop 

passionate patience 

in us, and how that patience in turn 

forges the tempered steel of virtue, 

keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. 

In alert expectancy such as this, 

we're never left feeling shortchanged. 

Quite the contrary—

we can't round up enough containers 

to hold everything God generously pours 

into our lives through the Holy Spirit! 

Romans 5:3-5 msg

O how I wish I could say 

those Words above are mine.

Patience is not my first choice,

especially in the midst of chaos,

when my tension is rising,

things need to get done,

and kids need to be kept on track.

I feel the pull down

into the whirl of it all

and far too often I lash out.

My discomfort 

becomes all I see.

Oh Lord,

You are right there

waiting for me to come to You,

to wait on You. 

If I choose patience

You will build endurance

and that endurance grows into character.

Please help me to choose to 

hold my tongue and wait.

Help me to choose patience.

But that's not all! We gladly suffer, because

we know that suffering helps us to endure. 

And endurance builds character, 

which gives us a hope that will never disappoint us. 

All of this happens because 

God has given us the Holy Spirit, 

who fills our hearts with his love.

Romans 5:3-5 cev

I asked the LORD for help,

   and he saved me

   from all my fears.

    Keep your eyes on the LORD!

   You will shine like the sun

   and never blush with shame.

   I was a nobody, but I prayed,

   and the LORD saved me

   from all my troubles.

   If you honor the LORD,

   his angel will protect you. 

Psalm 34:4-7 cev