40 Things To Give Up for Lent: Number Four

Impatience  God's timing is the perfect timing.

Romans 8:28  And we Know that for those who love God, all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose.

When I am just kind of looking on the surface of things, I would say I'm a pretty patient person. I look at the impatience of some of the people in this world and I think I am so much better than them in the area of patience. That may be true in some cases. But when I really look, when I really pay attention to my reactions throughout the day, I see that I really need some work in the area of patience.

I can become very impatient about God's timing; waiting for answers to prayer, the amount of time he wants me to spend with him, the things he asks me to do sometimes.

I am very impatient with myself. This is how I want to be, this is how I should be, and it should be now. I should heal just as fast as some others do. Who cares about the accomplishments I have already made. Who cares that I am growing and becoming stronger every day. I'm not where I see myself at, now.

I love this part in the eDevotion today: "In 1 Timothy 4:7, the Apostle Paul says, 'Train yourself to be godly.' Training is pushing ourselves to what we can today so that we can do tomorrow what we can't do today. Growth is a process that takes time and does not happen overnight. Be patient with yourself. You are on the way. Don't be in a rush to get there. Enjoy the journey."

Patience towards others, especially loved ones, is another hard one for me. I want them to do what I want them to do when I want them to do it.

All of this impatience leaves me emotionally and spiritually drained, and leaves me very emotional. Even when it happens in "my timing" I am still drained and bitter. Impatience is self-centered. Impatience takes away our love, compassion and ability to see what is going on in the world around us.

Lord, I give you my impatience. Help me to stay focused on you and trust in you so that I can see your hand at work; so I can see just how perfect your patient plan is. Help me to set the example of your loving patience and understanding to others. With all of my love and trust in Jesus' name Amen.