In my devotional this morning this quote stood out to me “You cannot have the fruit of longsuffering without suffering long.” I looked up longsuffering online and liked this description.
Longsuffering is love on trial. It enables you to forbear and forgive others (Colossians 3:13). As with the other manifestations of spiritual fruit, you can’t produce it in yourself. The ability to be longsuffering comes from the Holy Spirit (Colossians 1:11) and by loving God’s law. (Psalm 119:165) Longsuffering can also be referred to as patience. Patience is being mild, gentle, and constant in all circumstances. The real test of patience is not in waiting, but in how one acts while he or she is waiting. A person who has developed patience will be able to put up with things without losing his or her temper. Scripture tells us in James 1:4 “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting (lacking) nothing.” Reaching this point is definitely a process which takes a lot of practice. However, we can learn to enjoy life where we are while we are waiting for what we desire. Reference: http://www.christcenteredmall.com/teachings/fruits/longsuffering.htm
I realize how often I have prayed for patience/longsuffering in so many situations and my purpose behind my prayer was to “get me out“. But this prospective turns a whole new light on it all. It is not about waiting for something to be over but in how I act and what I learn during the wait.
As some of you know I have been dealing with Fibromyalgia like symptoms for over a year now. In some ways I feel paralyzed and just want to figure out what is going on and “solve” the problem. But as I am thinking this morning, how have I been acting in the midst of this trial? I know I have been a grumbler and I know I have a right to acknowledge my pain but I can’t dwell on it and let it consume me. I want to be a testimony for Him during this trial to praise Him, glorify Him and I know He wants to teach me more about His grace, mercy and healing power. My desire, As I suffer long, I can see more of His love for me and surrender it all to Him!!
