Patience

January 01, 2022 | Letters from the Lead Pastor by Brandon Lenhart

According to Webster’s Dictionary, patience is:  “A calm temper which bears evils without murmuring or discontent.”  Rousseau is quoted as having said, “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. ”Over the past several years, we have been exploring the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) by focusing on one fruit per year here at North Main.  Just as we have focused on the fruit of love, joy, and peace thus far, this year we will be exploring the fruit of patience.

Interestingly, as we have focused on each of these fruits of the Spirit, they have been tested every year. In 2019, we looked at “Love,” and as is always the case, love is often tested by the strains of difficulty.  However, we learned that love is the foundation for what we were about to experience in the coming year. In 2020, we looked at “Joy,” and to say that our joy was tested that year would be an understatement.  However, we learned that joy is not contingent upon our circumstances, but rather, supersedes all difficulty because it is rooted in Christ and our hope for eternal life.

Last year (2021) we focused on the fruit of “Peace,” and how peace can be tested.  In the midst of civil unrest, racial tensions, political polarization, and the ongoing COVID crisis, peace did not come easy.  However, we learned that peace is not the absence of hardship, but rather, our ability to weather the storms of life knowing that GOD is
ultimately in control and can be trusted.

This year, we will be exploring “Patience,” and as has been the case up to this point, we should expect patience to be tested.  That being the case, what are some things we can do to help the production of the fruit of patience in our lives?  There are several things that come to mind:

1. Root yourself in prayer. Without a healthy, thriving prayer life, patience does not come easy, if at all.  GOD, who can always be trusted, does not work on our timeline, but rather, on His own timeline.  However, GOD’s timing is perfect.
2. Diligently study the Word (The Bible). Scripture has countless stories of people who waited on the LORD, and their strength was renewed.  The Bible encourages us when we feel like all hope is lost, and there is nothing we can do.  It shows us men and women who pushed through and endured difficulties and were blessed by GOD for doing so.  The Bible also reminds us of the promises of GOD which gives us the strength to persevere.
3. Be unified in fellowship with other believers. Remember, you are never alone; GOD is with you.  However, GOD has also given us one another.  The Church, the fellowship of believers and the body of Christ, is the counterpoint to a world gone mad.  We were not created to do life alone.  We were created to live in unity and holiness
   together under the headship of Christ.

So, be encouraged.  Though your patience may be tested this year, know that there is a GOD who is trustworthy and good, and will strengthen you as you lean into Him.  Also, don’t forget to apply the previous disciplines to your life if you haven’t already done so.  It will change your life for the better if you do.