Don't Be Puzzled as You Develop Patience
My husband and I have fun putting together jigsaw puzzles. Bill completes the edge first. Then I pick out pieces that might belong to a certain image, such as a bird. Of course, some fit but many don’t. More hunting, trying, and fitting required. It builds my patience as I search for the color, shape, or pattern needed.
I also need patience for daily living. Patience to cook, since I don’t enjoy frying, baking, or roasting. Patience to navigate the challenges of aging since I don’t like pain or using a cane. Patience to interact with my husband, children, and grandchildren.
Patience. It’s a fruit of the Spirit.
In the book of Galatians, the apostle Paul warns us about indulging in the desires of our sinful nature such as outbursts of anger. It’s easy to see red if we let emotions get the best of us. But Paul tells us to conquer such feelings by growing in the fruit of the Spirit.
Life offers daily opportunities to grow in patience. Cranky babies, uncooperative co-workers, or friends who insist on discussing controversial issues.
How can we become kinder, gentler, more patient people?
We can take time daily to sit in God’s presence, read His Word, and pray that the Holy Spirit fills us. It’s the Spirit who cultivates spiritual fruit.
The Spirit also convicts us of sin. I feel the Spirit poke me in the ribs when I’m tempted to make a snarky remark. The Greek word for patience is “makrothymia,” and refers to forbearance under provocation. That’s what I need.
Many things in life spin out of our control, yet we want to deal with them with grace. Perhaps we have more to do at work and at home than is possible to keep family and colleagues happy. With the Spirit’s guidance we can determine what is most important and let the unnecessary slide, even if it means leaving dirty dishes in the sink. Or asking another household member to pitch in.
Facing serious troubles–deaths, losses, illnesses–requires patience.
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.” (Romans 5:3, NLT)
When we cannot change circumstances, we can remind ourselves that just like the use of our muscles strengthens our bodies, facing these challenges with God’s strength develops our spiritual muscles.
It helps to keep an eternal perspective. There will always be missing pieces in the puzzle of this life–a lack of love, comfort, or support–but someday we will be with our Savior. I can hardly imagine the overwhelming grace and well-being I’ll feel when our Lord hugs me. The messiness of life on earth will fade. Such peace. Such joy.
Let’s wait for heaven as we endure earth’s trials–and work on jigsaw puzzles–with patience.
Questions for Reflection:
- When have you needed patience to overcome a problem? What has helped you develop that trait?
- Whom do you admire for showing patient endurance under duress? What is the source of their strength?
- How might you support someone facing serious trials? What might you suggest to help them develop endurance?
