PATIENCE IS A VIRTURE

We should praise God when life’s circumstances are in our favor.  We should praise God when life’s circumstances are not in our favor.  We should praise Him for His cross, even when we have to carry it for Him.  We should praise Him no matter what, just as Job did during his time of suffering.    Job is the epitome of patience, love, self-examination, faith, trust, and perseverance.    Job was made the subject of God and Satan power and philosophical debate, but God was confident that Job’s love and trust were unimpeachable.  This is how we should be as well when we are confronted with life problems and adversity.  When we stand on and trust God’s Word He will reward us; not with what we may have lost, but with twice as much.  During the time of the test, Job had no peace, no quietness, no comfort, and no rest; all he had was turmoil.  Although Job suffered greatly, he never gave up on God; and God did not give him more than he could handle.  Of course, Job complained about his suffering; he cried over the loss of his children,  he even wished he had never been born.  Sometimes suffering hurts so bad that the only healing we can receive is praise and crying out to God. 

But the lesson we should learn from the tragedies of Job’s life is that suffering is never meaningless.  The Book of Job stands as a reference point,  of how we should respond to our suffering; by keeping the faith,  that what is happening in our lives, God is still in control. 

Father, give us the faith of Daniel and the patience of Job in our times of suffering.  Lord, when we feel burnt out or overwhelmed from our day to day struggles or suffering; lead us to Your Word for comfort and peace, as we stand on Your promise with faith and courage.  Father, in You, we find a place of sanctuary, because You know our hearts and our weakness; give us Your strength and peace while we wait patiently on You.  Lord, give us the patience, understanding, and tolerance we need to withstand any suffering.  Father, right now we lay before You, our weakness, and we ask for new energy and strength; we lay before You, our frustration and confusion, and ask for peace and calmness.  Lord, we lay before You, our resentment and anger, and we ask for kindness and gentleness; we lay before You, our judgment, and ask for love and understanding.  Lord, we lay before You, our hate and envy; and we ask for forgiveness, and we lay before You, our anxiety and we ask for more patience.  In Jesus name, Amen