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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Patience (08/21/08)
Who would have thought having patience means to suffer without complaining? Think about this. We can suffer a number of ways. We suffer the loss of time while we wait in lines. We suffer emotional pain as we recount all the wrongs done against us. We suffer relational pains as we focus on all the ways our needs are not meet. We suffer from physical pain either from our own doing or not.

But patience is not just suffering. No, it is to experience pain or trials while staying calm and not complaining. Before I gave my life to Christ, I was overcome by my physical pain. I was not a good role model for patience during my gallbladder ordeal. The surgery typically takes 45 minutes, but mine took 5 ½ hours! My defective gallbladder had made a tremendous mess in my intestines. My recovery was not pleasant. I allowed my pain to turn me into the worst patient. As a result, I was treating everyone around me terribly. I was so self-absorbed I couldn’t accept anyone’s care for me. I just wanted out of the hospital. However, none of those reasons are a good enough excuse for my poor behavior.

Why is finding a patient person is hard to come by? It could be because having patience is difficult. Most people give in to grumpiness or harsh behavior before letting patience have its good work. Personally, I don’t think one can be patient without the Holy Spirit’s help. One of the fruits of the Spirit is patience. Therefore, if we walk in the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit will be more and more evident in our lives.

It’s sad to witness someone in such pain when they loose their sense of right and wrong. Pain has a way of bringing out the worst in people, if we let it. But as believers in Jesus Christ, we have the power of the Holy Spirit within us. This power enables us to walk in the Spirit. In doing so, we reap the fruit of self-control and patience (Galatians 5:23).

What pain or trial are you experiencing? Are you practicing patience during your current situation? Tap into the Holy Spirit and allow Him to lead you through this circumstance. When you do you will experience peace beyond your wildest expectations.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Christopher Dawson
08/28/08
Clearly articulated reminder to be patient when tested...served as a good reminder to me that it is not what goes into the man, but what comes out that matters!
Beckie Stewart
08/28/08
This is a great reminder. Thank you for writing a good honest challenge.
Marlene Austin
08/29/08
Nice devotional with excellent comparisons. :)
Jan Ackerson
08/30/08
Having been through my own gall bladder issues, I could relate!

Well-written and well-organized. Good job.
Patty Wysong
09/03/08
Well put and good examples.
Karlene Jacobsen 
09/03/08
Out of the mouth the heart speaks. This is a true statement. it is also true what you said here; that without the Holy Spirit, it is very difficult. In fact, it is nearly impossible to maintain that level of calmness.

Christ in us, is the hope of glory.

This is a great devotional.