Confession 239: Patience

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.  1 Timothy 1:16

Patience is not a virtue I have in abundance.  I don't like waiting.  I always skim ahead about 50 pages in books I'm reading before I put them down to do something else.  I get frustrated when my children don't do things immediately after being directed to do them.  My husband and I dvr all of our favorite programs so we don't ever have to sit through commercials.  So, this verse made me smile today as I read it. 

Paul tells his adopted son Timothy that God showed him mercy so that God could have the opportunity to display divine patience.  I love that Paul recognized the fact that God would need a lot of patience in dealing with him.  Paul was, among many things, always brutally honest!!  Truth be told, however, this verse could really be applied to any and all of us.  

I don't know about you, but I have a sneaking suspicion that God requires a lot of patience in dealing with me.  I am stubborn and bull headed.  I value independence and don't often listen carefully to what God might be trying to say.  I can be willful and proud. Oftentimes, God has to smack me upside the head with his equivalent of a spiritual frying pan to get me going in the right direction.  God has showered me with his unending patience; he stands next to me and waits for me to turn to him, to listen and to follow.  

God is always there patiently waiting for each of us.  He waits for all of his children, arms open, ready to enfold them into his loving embrace.  God patiently waits upon us.  I think I would be well served to reflect some of that patience back on others today!

Blessings and Peace,

Sara