I welcome us all to day 6 of the WIVES ON FIRE Prayer challenge. Today, we’ll be looking at the subject: PATIENCE.
Now, what is PATIENCE? It is beyond waiting. It is what we do, and how we act while we wait. It is the capacity to remain calm and unperturbed even in the face of unpleasant situations; either in the home front or external circles. Many of us as wives will be sincere with me that, at one point or the other, we have exhibited impatience, either by reacting in anger to our spouse, or by transferring aggression to the innocent kids based on the overwhelming demands and long ‘to-do’ list on our tables as wives and mothers. Is that all? What of in situations where we had to wait for a particular ANSWER to a request from God; were there no times of complanings and sighing and even going after other options for ourselves, instead of waiting on God, and keep serving (In Marriage and In Purpose) while we wait?
But do we really have an excuse to act impatient? Does God overlook some of the instances we act in impatience? ABSOLUTELY NO, WE HAVE NO EXCUSE! God wants us to get to a point where NO MATTER what is going on around us, we can remain calm, cool, and collected; as we trust His grace and help to see us through every situation. To be honest, this can only be done through the help of the Holy Spirit. The natural me and you, want to jump, act, react, take that immediate step, say those plenty ‘uncontrolled words’ as it is in our heart; but the Lord is saying to us; NO, WAIT, BE CALM, BE QUIET, BE PATIENT!!!
Let’s look at what the scripture says in Galatians 5: 22 (AMPC): But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness…”
Patience is a virtue. It is the Holy Spirit within us that can help us possess this great virtue.
We need to get to a point where Christ rules and reigns in us and His Spirit controls our every being; our emotions, thoughts, words, actions, and helps us act in patience towards every and all situations. Let’s take a look into the life of mother Sarah. Her impatience, made her suggest to her husband to go in with her maid because she desired a child so badly. But, that singlular act of impatience, has formed the basis for the big trouble we are facing against the gospel of Christ in our world today! But thank God, in the end, Sarah and her husband Abraham, still obtained the promise! In the same vein, many wives have pushed their husbands out of impatience to take decisions outside God’s will, and this (these) decisions have pushed a lot of marriages into trouble. Wives, we need to earnestly desire this vitue by thirsting and crying out to God to FILL US WITH HIS SPIRIT. To build our homes according to God’s pattern, relate well with our husbands, and bond well with them, get close to our children and train them in the way of the Lord; we need PATIENCE! In path of ministry, career, business, and fulfilling purpose; we cannot do without this GREAT VIRTUE, CALLED PATIENCE! Definitely, we will continue to face situations that will try our patience on a daily basis: the kids are climbing the walls, you’re stuck on customers orders, trying times; these ordinarily makes it difficult to just “Keep Calm and Carry On”; BUT thanks to the Holy Spirit who is able to work in us, make us perfect, and produce fruits of righteousness.
PRAYERS
“Hot tempers causes arguments, but patience brings peace” – Proverbs 15:18
My Heavenly Father, I confess there are times I grow impatient when things don’t go according to my plan, or when people don’t behave the way I think they should. I know this negative act is not from You, Please forgive me! Help me to be patient with others, as You have been patient with me. Give me Your peace that passeth all understanding in all situations!
“…But I obtained mercy for the reason that in me, as the foremost [of sinners], Jesus Christ might show forth and display all His perfect long-suffering and patience for an example to [encourage] those who would thereafter believe on Him for [the gaining of] eternal life”. – 1 Timothy 1:15-16
Dear Lord, I thank You for displaying perfect patience to us through Jesus Christ. Please help me to also follow Your example of patience, so that my life can draw men unto You.
“I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved”. – Psalm 16:8
Dear Lord, help me to always set You before me, in my relationship with my husband and my children, that I’ll be moved by absolutely none of their actions or inactions! Please, give me an infinite amount of patience when it comes to understanding my husband, and to act in submission towards him. Teach him also how to be patient with me and love me as You command.
“So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:” – 2 Thessalonians 1:4
Dear Lord, please grant me patience and faith during times of persecutions and affliction. Give me the grace hold on to Your Word and obtain the promise, and in the end, help me to be considered worthy of the kingdom of God.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not”. – Galatians 6:9
Dear Lord, help me never to stop doing good to people around me, no matter what they do. Help me to be encouraged about the fact that my reward is from You and not from them. Help me to be controlled by Your Spirit, and not their deeds or actions either to me or against me.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. – Philippians 4:4,7
Dear Lord, help me to have the right attitude while waiting. Help me to resolve to praying, and giving thanks even in seemingly hopeless situations, knowing assuredly that You will work situations out for our good.
I WAITED patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry. – Psalm 40:1
My Heavenly Father, I know You can never lie. Please in Your MERCY, give ears to our requests, and that which You have promised to do in my life and home; Grant us Your grace to wait for You, and not miss our blessing. While we wait, help us to keep labouring steadfastly for You.
See you again tomorrow. God bless.
Beautiful Life Corner 