Patience (from my devotional bible. . I needed to read this!)

[4kids1mom]

Have you ever caught yourself muttering "Come on!. . . Come on!" under your breath waiting 60 seconds for the microwave?How do you handle being caught in traffic or finding yourself at the end of the line at the grocery store? Do you think those six-day diets really work? We are so accustomed to quick fixes, fast service and instant reward that anything less is not only inconvenient, it can be downright frustrating.

But, maybe there is another way to look at waiting for outcomes in our lives. What if we considered the time we spent waiting as opportunity gained rather than just time lost. Sometimes, waiting enhances the final outcome and makes us more fully appreciate what eventually comes to pass. This is especially true in regard to the reward that awaits us after a life lived in Christ. Galatians 5:22 reminds us that the patience needed to lead a Christian life is more than just a personal skill. It is a gift, fruit of the Spirit that grows out of a life dedicated to doing God's will. We are assured in Hebrews 10:36 that "You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what he has promised." Being patient in faith is an outward sign that we recognize that God is the one in control of our lives.

God has a plan for you that will be revealed only in His Design. Your reward for faithfully accepting His plan -and the schedule that goes with it - will be a lasting testimony to the world that good things do happen to those who wait in faith.