Longsuffering

Well, after a long, frigid and rough winter, Spring has sprung. Personally, I have long awaited for this new season to arrive. Although I'm a native Michigander, seeing the green grass, blossoming trees and feeling the warm sun always gives a refreshing sense after enduring a few feet of snow. Technically, the first day of Spring was this past Sunday, March 20. Right now, it's only about 37° outside, with freezing rain! Looks like we'll have to put up with a bit more of this Midwest temperate climate for a moment.

There's nothing wrong with anticipation. Many times, we find ourselves waiting and expecting in several situations. Sometimes, the longer we have to wait, the anticipation becomes heavier and anxiety becomes a factor into our waiting... which may cause detriment. Waiting for a significant other (and/or spouse), the call back for a job, or even a meal in the drive-through at McDonald's may all very well test our patience. This is nothing wrong; however, our level of expectation to whatever- or whomever- it is we're waiting on will certainly affect our commitment to wait. 

Even when dealing with individuals, patience is necessary. There are some folk who are just plain difficult to agree with (some aren't agreeable at all). Be that as it may, they still deserve love. As much as God has loved me through many situations, I cannot afford to resist to show it to others. Waiting on people to change, though, is not wise. Only the Lord can change a person; but your love for that person may be just what they need to change over time. If you're stuck on a job or in class with someone who you can't avoid, love them through the experience. 

In whatever season you may be in, expect the Lord to meet all of your needs! No matter what you're waiting on, He is the perfect Father and will not leave you hanging. Whatever He says you can have, commit to His will and it is yours. His children need not to worry about who in the world approves of them, who will comfort them, or having an abundance of things to validate them. The Lord will do all of the above for all who wait on Him! Obedience to His Word brings peace, joy, comfort and expectation which far exceeds anything the world can offer. I love you!

And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Isaiah 32:17

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation... 2 Peter 3:15

...walk worthy of the calling wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in love; Ephesians 4:1-3