Romans 5:3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance.......
REALLY?
I sometimes have to have a big toddler temper tantrum when I don't get my way. Come on God! It's YOUR fault - YOU spoiled me!But you know what? Even when parents spoil their children and they know they are partly to blame for the fallout, they still have to teach them NOT to behave that way. So --- I guess that's where I am this week. I've been put in time out because I had a BIG BABY fit!
I've been sent to my room to think about things.
I have to learn to be gracious even when things aren't going MY WAY and I have to learn there are other needs bigger than my own and I have know that the very good things in life cannot be rushed and that patience produces perseverance.
James 1:4
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Yes - I still want what I want when I want it. However, I've already realized that I don't want something that's not complete. I don't want something immature or lacking. I want it ALL. I want something whole and real and finished to perfection. That only happens in God's timing and if I trust Him - then I know He makes all things work together for good - even temper tantrums - even timeouts.
So I'm going to take this long weekend at home alone and talk to God - thank Him for all He's blessed me with, let Him enlighten me as to why I can't rush through life, and try to listen for His direction. AND practice patience - that's the really hard part. But I know - that just as parents punish their children when they misbehave, they also reward them for good behavior. Time to be a big girl! I have a feeling there's a big reward around the corner.
James 5:11
As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
