patience Archives - Page 2 of 2

Wednesday

6

September 2017

Wednesday Wisdom | Faith Reassures You

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Wednesday Wisdom

“Stress tells you that everything has to happen right now. Faith reassures you that everything will happen in God’s perfect timing.”

A friend of mine shared this quote on Facebook the other day, and it reminded me of the importance of keeping our focus on God and His perfect timing — even when we feel like He can’t hear us. Isn’t it true? So often, we go to the Lord in prayer seeking an instant answer to a prayer request, or so confident in our own plan, when really, we ought to rest in Him and wait patiently for His perfect timing rather than rushing.

Elisabeth Elliot once said, “Don’t dig up in doubt what you planted in faith.” When we make a conscious effort to keep our focus on God, we strengthen our faith. Here are 10 encouraging Bible verses for when you’re feeling stressed or if you need reassurance of God’s faithfulness.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” (Jeremiah 29:11)
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45)
“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 passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:8)
“Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
“Cast all your care upon him, for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
“When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:2)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

These are just 10 Bible verses for when you’re feeling stressed, anxious, worried. The Bible is filled with so many encouraging and uplifting verses. Dig into God’s Word and let faith reassure you. Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him!

“Stress tells you that everything has to happen right now. Faith reassures you that everything will happen in God’s perfect timing.”

Wednesday

15

March 2017

Wednesday Wisdom | Living Slowly

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Wednesday Wisdom

“Everywhere, people are discovering that doing things more slowly often means doing them better and enjoying them more. It means living life instead of rushing through it. You can apply this to everything from food to parenting to work.” Carl Honoré

I’ve long been a fan of Carl Honoré’s insight into the slow movement; he comes at the topic from a place of practicality, and believes in the value of moving more slowly.

Where are you today? Rushing through work, sending off a series of emails, or trying to complete as many things as possible off your to-do list before the end of the day?

Time is a hot commodity and often we spend so much of our energy trying to jam as many activities into our limited time that we lose sight of the things that really matter. We even practice daylight savings time in an effort to give ourselves more daylight hours to get things done!

Wes and I were talking last night about how in some cultures, there is beauty in slowness. Life, when it’s not muddied by our modern-day “conveniences” (smart phones, internet, fast cars) becomes something that we can appreciate, and even enjoy.

Is the stress that rushing brings really worthwhile? Is pushing through a task just to complete it really better than taking the time it deserves to be done right? Does eating fast make my dinner taste better than if I actually took the time to taste it? The answer to all of these questions, is no.

“Everywhere, people are discovering that doing things more slowly often means doing them better and enjoying them more. It means living life instead of rushing through it. You can apply this to everything from food to parenting to work.” Carl Honoré

Friday

3

February 2017

Hope Reflected | 3 ways to be kind: Words of truth from the book of Ephesians

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

3 ways to be kind: Words of truth from the Book of Ephesians

If you’ve been anywhere on social media, you’re aware of the whirlwind of emotions that people have been feeling leading up to – and during – the inauguration of the 45^th President of the United States. Self-proclaimed political pundits, Wes and I were especially interested in the events of the past week, in which we realized the dawn of a new era. Some think that the new President is bad news, others think he’s a breath of fresh air; no matter what you’re feeling about the new President, pretty much everyone has an opinion.

With recent political happenings, it’s been interesting to see and hear the reactions of friends on both sides of the border. One thing is glaringly clear: In the midst of opening up about opinions, people need to learn how to express their thoughts without discriminating and showing intolerance. Too often, the people crying out for justice and equality are the very ones unwilling to demonstrate those same virtues to others of differing opinions.

In reading the book of Ephesians, a book in the Bible the basis of which is the unity of the Church, I am moved by the many practical examples that the book of Ephesians shows of how to cultivate kindness in everyday life.

Each of us could do with more kindness – both on the giving and receiving ends. To cultivate kindness in your own life, consider these three ways to be kind:

Practice patience. “Be patient.” Ephesians 4:2 In the KJV, ‘longsuffering’ is the word. Longsuffering is defined as “having or showing patience in spite of troubles, especially those caused by other people”. It’s not always easy to be patient with others – when you’re working on a deadline, when the kids are goofing off instead of doing what you asked, when you’re feeling anxious – but we need to show grace to others (as well as ourselves).
Show compassion. “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 In some versions the word ‘tenderhearted’ is replaced with ‘compassionate’, and here’s what that means: To be tenderhearted or compassionate means to be concerned for others, and to be sympathetic. Rather than looking in all the time and being concerned with your own best interests, get into the practice of looking out (and up!) and try putting others first. It can be as simple as opening a door for someone or letting a car cut in front of you in traffic.
Stand firm. “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…” Ephesians 6:14 Many people have a misconception that being kind means you have to be weak or let yourself get walked over by others who have a stronger voice than you. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Being kind requires us to stand firm in what we believe. You’ve heard the saying, “speak the truth in love,” and when you’re cultivating kindness, you’re speaking the truth, in love, standing firm on what you know to be true.

We don’t have to agree on everything – or anything, for that matter – to be kind to one another. Remember, you are always responsible for how you act, no matter how you feel. Don’t underestimate how even the smallest of kind actions can impact the life of another. As Mark Twain said, “Kindness is a language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Wherever you are, cultivate kindness.

Originally published as “3 ways to be kind: Words of truth from the book of Ephesians.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. January 25, 2017: 7. Print.

Wednesday

5

October 2016

Wednesday Wisdom: God Never Hurries

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Wednesday Wisdom

“God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which he must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves.” A.W. Tozer

When circumstances just don’t seem in my favour, or when I wonder why God’s making me wait, it always helps to remember that God’s timing is perfect. As A.W. Tozer said in his book The Pursuit of God, “God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which he must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves.” We may not understand God’s timing, but when we rest in the fact that His timing is perfect, we’ll be filled with a peace only our Saviour can provide.

It’s a good thing to wait on the Lord, and it is a good thing to rest in Him.

Here are some verses that remind us of God’s perfect timing:

“Wait on the LORD: be of courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Psalm 27:14
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” Psalm 37:7
“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1
“Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the Lord, and he shall save thee.” Proverbs 20:22
“The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” Lamentations 3:25
“I will wait upon the LORD…” Isaiah 8:17
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
“But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6

Tuesday

31

May 2016

Hope Reflected: 3 Facts About Patience

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Hope's How-To, Published Work

When I told Wes that I was writing this week on the subject of patience he lovingly replied, “Did you say impatience?” I think he meant it jokingly, but the fact that he kept chuckling about it after he said it makes me wonder….

This column about patience was partially inspired by our weekly drive to church on Sunday mornings. Without fail, Wes and I always witness drivers, – evidently in a rush, – headed somewhere, speeding like bats of you-know-where, passing every vehicle in their path. Now, I’d be lying if I said I never speed or never pass, but the irony is when we witness this on a Sunday (especially if the driver speeding and passing is headed to church) or if we end up right behind said driver at the next set of lights. Today on the road was no different; there was someone out there speeding, but today, the driver passing got pulled over. Which begs the question, why the rush?

Well, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of the everyday. Who can blame people? Information is available instantly through the Internet, large purchases can be put on credit, and there’s a drive through for just about anything you can think of. In a world like we live in today, who needs patience?

Patience is definitely an under-rated virtue in today’s fast-paced world, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important. Leo Tolstoy once said, “The most powerful warriors are patience and time,” and he was right. While it’s often easier to take the quick road out, planting a seed and watching it grow – whether you’re buying a new home, pursuing a career, or even looking for love – requires both patience and time.

So what does the Bible say regarding the topic of patience? Here are 3 requirements of patience that God’s Word teaches us:

Patience requires us to rest. “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him:” (Psalm 37:7) It’s ironic, isn’t it, that when we’re waiting for something, we often feel anxious or restless, but then the Bible instructs us to do the exact opposite, so there must be a reason, right? To put in context, David wrote Psalm 37 later in life, and if you know about David’s life, you know he had plenty of occasions to learn how to properly practice the virtue of patience. David knew what he was talking about when he instructed readers to “rest in the LORD.”
Patience requires us to establish our hearts. “You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (James 5:8) In verse 7, James instructs readers to be patient like the farmer who waits for the fruits of the earth. Farmers have some of the most stressful careers out there, which we all depend on! By definition, the word establish means to “set up on a firm or a permanent basis.” We all need a firm foundation, and the most important place is in our heart. If you don’t know Who you believe in, or what you stand for, you’re in for a bumpy ride. Patience requires us to examine our hearts, and further establish our Faith.
Patience requires us to be humble. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2) Exercising patience, true patience, means that some of the following characteristics are going to be brought out in us: Humbleness, gentleness, meekness, forgiveness. You can’t be patient without exercising the aforementioned characteristics. True patience helps us become more like Christ.

It may not always be easy – in fact, sometimes exercising patience will be the hardest thing, — but practicing patience is worth the wait (quite literally). If you’re feeling discouraged or like you can’t go on, take heart! As missionary Elisabeth Elliot famously said, “Don’t dig up in doubt what you planted in faith.” Patience can be accomplished, one day at a time.

Originally published “3 Facts About Patience.” Minto Express. May 18, 2016: 5. Print.

Wednesday

13

April 2016

A Guide to Encouraging Bible Verses, Part 2: Verses About Love, Forgiveness, Patience

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

By this time, you’ve read Part 1 of my guide to encouraging Bible verses, and in this column, I share some encouraging Bible verses that have impacted my life greatly, on the topics of love, forgiveness, and patience.

In this second part of the Guide to Encouraging Verses in the Bible, I’ve selected several verses each on the topics of forgiveness, love, and patience. At times, all three can be difficult virtues to practice, however God assures us in His Word of the benefits of living a life and exercising forgiveness, love, and patience. I hope you find these verses to be an encouragement, wherever you’re at in your walk today.

[If you’re feeling apathetic or indifferent] Verses about LOVE:

Luke 6:35 “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again;”
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Romans 13:10 “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.”
Ephesians 4:2 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
1 Peter 4: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
1 John 4:7 “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.”

[If you’re feeling bitter and need relief] Verses about FORGIVENESS:

Psalm 103:12 “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”
Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
Matthew 6:12 “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”
Matthew 6:14 “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:”
Mark 11:25 “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Ephesians 1:7 “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”
1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

[If you’re feeling impatient] Verses about PATIENCE:

Psalm 27:14 “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
Psalm 37:7 “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him; fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.”
Psalm 130:5 “I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Romans 12: 12 “Be…Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer;”
Galatians 6:9 “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

Originally published as “A Guide to Encouraging Verses in the Bible Part 2 – Verses About Love, Forgiveness, and Patience.” Minto Express. March 23, 2016: 12. Print.

Monday

21

March 2016

Hope Reflected: Remember to Rest

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

We’re well into the New Year, and our schedule is picking up. It seems like each weekend is accounted for, and when Wes and I aren’t working, we’re running (and I don’t mean working out). There just aren’t enough hours in the day to get things done.

Interestingly enough, Wes has been making time in his evenings to read a book entitled, Living the Sabbath. While the book in and of itself isn’t about the importance of rest, it’s about the importance of delighting in the Sabbath and what that means for our lives each day of the week. (Likely another column to follow on that later).

Wes going through this book has been a reminder to me of the importance of rest. Especially with a whole new year ahead, where plans are being made and goals are being set, it’s crucial that we remember to take time to rest.

Rest has several benefits. Not only does rest recharge your body and your mind, rest can also help improve mood, memory, and health. Additionally, the Bible talks a lot about rest. While God’s Word talks about rest in several different contexts, these are some areas that I find practical in applying to my life today. We all experience trials, we all have personal problems, and we all work. When I need rest and encouragement, these are some of the Scriptures in which I find solace.

Rest from life’s trials. One of my favourite portions of Scripture is Psalm 37. Psalm 37:7 (KJV) says, “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” When we commit our way to the Lord, and find our strength in Him, He will direct our paths and provide rest for our souls. It’s amazing the peace that comes when we commit our paths to Him.
Rest from personal problems. Especially in our world of instant gratification and constant connection, anxiety and depression affect so many people. What’s the solution? Find your rest in God. Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV), “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” God’s peace = rest.
Rest from work. While some career choices are more stressful than others, everybody needs a break from work once in a while. Rest from work is essential and part of living a balanced lifestyle. Even God rested! Genesis 2:2 (KJV) tells us, “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.” Additionally, in Mark 6:31, Jesus encourages His disciples, “And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.”

Throughout the year, some weeks will inevitably be busier than others. Remember the importance of rest. Not only is rest Biblical, it’s good for your health. Whether it’s turning off your phone, turning off the TV, or taking time to eat dinner around the table, remember to take some time this week to rest.

Originally published as “Remember to Rest.” Minto Express. January 13, 2015: 5. Print.

Wednesday

17

February 2016

Hope Reflected: Consistency

Written by H, Posted in Christian Living, Published Work

If you’ve ever lived near, or gone on vacation and stayed at the beach, one of the most exceptional experiences is to watch the sunrise over the ocean. There’s something so majestic about the slow, gradual spread of vibrant colours over the water. Everything is still, with the exception of a few morning birds and waves coming into shore. That’s the miracle of nature. Even if we can’t see it, every day there will be a sunrise and a sunset, day in, day out, week after week, month after month, year after year.

While change is inevitable, each one of us can make the choice to remain consistent – in our faith, relationships, and work. Aristotle once said, “we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” Let’s face it – you can’t create habits without consistency.

Three facts about the power of consistency:

Consistency is one of the keys to success. There’s a difference in being persistent and being consistent. As the old adage goes, “If you are persistent, you will get it. If you are consistent, you will keep it.” Consistent people are often more successful, and that’s a fact.
Consistency requires patience. Greatness is never achieved in just one single act; it’s what we do with each day that we’re given that counts. Awesome achievements require time.
Consistency proves people. Remember the saying “don’t trust words, question actions, but never doubt patterns”? We’ve probably all been there at some point or other. See #1, but someone who’s consistently inconsistent? Oy vey.

While it’s impossible for anyone to be as consistent as the sunrise and sunset, each of us can make the choice to be more consistent in the things that matter. And beware when you choose consistency – there will always be people who say consistency is boring or uninteresting. Those are shortsighted opinions. You can still be spontaneous once in a while even whilst you’re living with consistency!

Newer Entries →

patience Archive

6

Wednesday Wisdom | Faith Reassures You

15

Wednesday Wisdom | Living Slowly

3

Hope Reflected | 3 ways to be kind: Words of truth from the book of Ephesians

Originally published as “3 ways to be kind: Words of truth from the book of Ephesians.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate. January 25, 2017: 7. Print.

5

Wednesday Wisdom: God Never Hurries

31

Hope Reflected: 3 Facts About Patience

Originally published “3 Facts About Patience.” Minto Express. May 18, 2016: 5. Print.

13

A Guide to Encouraging Bible Verses, Part 2: Verses About Love, Forgiveness, Patience

Originally published as “A Guide to Encouraging Verses in the Bible Part 2 – Verses About Love, Forgiveness, and Patience.” Minto Express. March 23, 2016: 12. Print.

21

Hope Reflected: Remember to Rest

Originally published as “Remember to Rest.” Minto Express. January 13, 2015: 5. Print.

17

Hope Reflected: Consistency

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