The Patient Woman -Part I: Patience is a Virtue



We have all heard the adage, patience is a virtue. For some, the attribute of patience comes easy; for others, not so much. When we exercise patience, we’re asked to – or in many instances – forced to put our own desires and actions on hold (temporarily or sometimes permanently) for the betterment of others and/or a situation. According to the Oxford Dictionary, patience is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious.  

The Bible defines patience similarly, but offers a unique perspective that teaches us that patience does not necessarily equate to “No.” Oftentimes, it just means “Not Yet.” Sometimes there’s a lesson to be learned. Sometimes God needs to use us as vessels for others. Regardless of the reason, we must accept each situation for what it is – and wait patiently on the Lord, trusting that He is in full control.  

In this first of our series, The Patience Woman, we want to take a deeper dive into the area of patience, and some thoughts about God’s lessons and expectations around the topic, especially as it pertains to our Christian walk as women and mothers

We must strive to be more Christ-like

As Christians, we’ve seen time and time again where God has provided examples of our need to be patient. We come to realize that we must be nimble, faithful and willing to wait for the Lord. God will give us the desires of our heart. He gives us the strength to endure life’s tribulations. He gives us the guidance we need and the wisdom to discern. In return, we must let go – and believe that the all things will happen in His time! Patience is a by-product of exercising self-control and having faith in knowing that God is in control. God is patient with us, and his expectation of us is that we strive to be Christ-like.

Next week we will be discussing God’s expectations and guidance towards developing patience with our children!