The Word Illustrated #59
© Pamyla Floyd
9/4/2010
Revised from: Feb 28, 2002
Patience
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience Romans 5:3
I can attest this scripture to be true. During times of tribulation, we have the added bonus of a more intimate relationship with the Lord. I had no other choice, but to sit at His feet while He worked with me, on me and thru me. As we go through, our patience is refined by way of the persecution, trials and tribulations of life.
How can we ever grow, develop and mature if we don't experience storms. No one likes going through, but even when all is breaking loose around us, we can find peace that surpasses all understanding through Jesus Christ. I Peter 5:7 says to cast ALL of our cares upon Him, for he cares for us. All means all! When we hold onto things that disturb our peace, our rest, our health we are not in the will of God. We MUST keep our eyes on the prize and press toward the high calling of Jesus Christ.
WE already know what we left behind, need we go back? Ok then, no more standing still. Life is not about yelling and screaming to get our way, or blowing up when we hear things we don't like. Impatience will show up as immaturity or disguise itself as abusive. It is not easy to detect and deal with, but what sweet victory when it is recognized and surrendered to our loving savior.
I had to learn to stop talking so much. Before I thought, I spoke. Patience meant nothing to me, it was just a word. I'm not proud of that part of me, but I am grateful that it is in my past now. Jesus helped me overcome the thing that was destroying my life, and all of my relationships along with it. There is life and death in the power of the tongue, and I used mine to cause death. I have to be honest about it. WE all have something or some things that need to be purged from our lives.
There comes a time in everyone’s life where some thing holds us captive in such a way, that it literally takes our breath away. We become afraid to breathe out. .WE are continually broken before the Lord and deliverance comes quickly if we acknowledge, release and allow the work to begin. When we are put in a position where all we can do is to cling tightly to those things we know to be true and sure, it is then that patience has a chance to have her good work in us.
Surrender now. It is still daylight and much life is left to be lived the right way.
God bless,
Pamyla
If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, or need help in leading someone to Christ, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com
Reference Scriptures:
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me -- II Corinthians 12:9
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;-- James 1:2
Note: The image is of a marionette doll with various tags hanging around her such as rent, car note, childcare etc
