Patience. They say you should never pray for it because it’s not something given. It has to be earned/learned. The things that teach patience are never fun. However, God’s word says in Romans 12:12, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction and be persistent in prayer (CSB).” Yikes!! Patient in affliction?! I can tell you afflictions, trials and sufferings are NOT fun! To be patient through them is difficult. The Bible also says to be thankful for trials. So, we are to thank God for them and be patient through them. God is using them to mold and make us into who He created us to be. Well, I can tell you from experience it is all hard and it stinks. The only thing that keeps me going and makes it worth it is knowing God is working to make me into who I am meant to be. If not for that, I would quit and give up. I believe God has told me from the beginning of this trial I am facing to be patient and persistent in my prayers. Don’t give up! Like a runner in a race who is tired and just wants to stop, but keeps going – a little farther, a little farther, and then the race is over and the perseverance pays off. That is me. So I keep praying, keep trusting, knowing the trial will be over eventually and God will answer. Through it all, I am becoming more like Christ, I am depending on Him for everything. I know He is with me always, through it all, and when it gets too hard, He carries me. Sometimes I wonder if my prayers are working or making a difference. I read somewhere that faith moves mountains, but prayers move God. This is why I keep praying, trusting God hears and is working whether I see it or not. His ways are higher than mine, and He works in ways I can’t even imagine. I also wonder if He tires of my prayers (which are constant). Then I remember His word says to be “persistent in prayer” and to “pray without ceasing.” There are also the stories of persistence, like the neighbor who come in the night to ask for food and the persistent widow who keeps coming to the judge. So, I trudge on, being patient and persistent, knowing God will answer in His time not mine. His plan is perfect as is His timing. I am so thankful he is on the throne and in control so I don’t have to be!
