If you’ve listened to the news at all this week, what you hear about is hate. Many want to blame one side or the other in the tragedy that occurred in Charlotte. If you are tempted to choose one side or the other, I would like to remind you what Paul wrote the church at Ephesus: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” (Eph. 4:31) The problems we are seeing in VA, throughout the US and the world is not about one side being right and the other being wrong. What is wrong is that hate has hardened hearts. If you have received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you have been given a new heart and a new life. We no longer have to react as the world does. It is a natural human condition that we have an impatience with circumstances and the behavior of others, however, we have been called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16). Instead of joining in the foray, let us show the world the love of Jesus Christ and let us wait upon the Lord who has the perfect plan. “…Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Picture yourself waiting in a checkout line that hasn’t moved for ten minutes. Many of us would feel frustrated. We live in a generation that expects instant results.

Everyone struggles with some degree of impatience. We’re born with this trait—think about a three-month-old who wants milk in the middle of the night. The inborn reaction is to fuss at the first hint of discomfort and to keep at it until the need is met. Patterns from our old “flesh” nature make this a continual battle for most people, but one that is very worthwhile to fight.

Let’s consider the biblical definition of patience. It can mean both longsuffering and perseverance, or not giving up and yielding under pressure. In either case, it reveals itself when we are willing to wait without frustration while suffering or experiencing some strong desire. In other words, we accept difficult situations without giving God deadlines. What’s more, patience means accepting what the Lord gives, on His timetable—or what He chooses not to give. This quality results in inner peace and lack of stress. Meanwhile, we should pray, obey, and persist as we seek God’s direction.

The danger of impatience is that we might miss the Lord’s perfect plan and His blessing. Only when we trust our Father’s will and timing can we rest peacefully.

What causes you stress? Carefully examine whether you are taking matters into your own hands or releasing the circumstance to almighty God. Listen to Psalm 37:7, which says, “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” Seek His way and His timing. Anything else can be destructive.

Source: The Power of Patience