Count It All Joy

"Patience (noun): The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious".

It doesn't matter how the dictionary defines it, or how we decide to define patience, it is clear that patience involves waiting, and not the type that involves anxiety, intolerance or a rush to solve situations by our own means. Patience involves accepting or working with what life throws your way and realising that the process of waiting is just as important as the final outcome. And perhaps it is in the waiting process where we learn to see ourselves for who we truly are - as sinners in need of a Saviour.

But patience isn't just about how we deal with situations, it isn't just about learning to understand who we are, it is also about how we relate to others and the quality of our relationships. Are we willing to see others as we see ourselves, as sinners in need of a Saviour?

I was talking to a friend recently and she remarked: "You know, I used to think I was a really patient person. But then I moved in close to where a relative is living and we began to spend more time together, and now I realise I'm not so patient".

The Bible says in James 1:2-4:
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you mar be complete, lacking nothing".

It's hard to deal with difficult situations, or to have to relate to people who may test our patience. But the Bible is clear that while these experiences are not easy or joyful, we are to count them as positive opportunities for growth, because the result of the testing of our faith will bring the fruit of patience and make us more complete in Christ.

May the trials of this week make you and I patient and reliant upon our Saviour.

God Bless,
Pr Leticia.

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Thought for the week...

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We wish to thank...

This week we wish to thank the leaders in our Sabbath school departments. Adult Sabbath School classes and the Children's Sabbath school classes function so well because of the commitment, organisation and passion of our leaders and teachers within these areas. May God continue to bless your efforts for Him :)

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