Patience

A short story.

As Kerry walked into the house after work, the weight of her day consumed her. Flashbacks of running around the office, tending to clients, answering phone calls and responding to emails brought more fatigue and stress on her body than usual. Kerry decided to do what she knew would be the only thing to help-pray. She began to pray, “God, today was a little much for me, it seems I took on more than I could handle, however thank you for bringing me through. I ask you to please increase my patience in all situations so that I may be able to handle all things with your strength. In Jesus name, Amen.” Suddenly peace overtook her into a good night’s rest of sleep.

“RING, RING, RING!” “Hello?” Kerry answered the phone groggily. “Kerry are you ok? It’s almost ten ‘o clock and you’re not here yet! Did you forget that you had an important meeting with the CEO?” Lisa, her assistant asked with concern. “I overslept! I’m on the way!” Kerry hurriedly got dressed and out the door. As she zipped in and out of traffic, she finally made it to work. With five minutes already gone by, she made it down the hall towards the conference room. Usually she would pray before meetings as big as this one, but the pressure of time interfered. The top administration staff of the company were all there, sitting and waiting at the big table for her. “Good morning everyone, sorry to keep you waiting.” Kerry said, as she plugged in her hard drive. She waited expectantly for it to load. It seemed as if time was moving slowly before the title to her Powerpoint popped up. But wait! Where were the remaining slides? She refreshed her computer and yet the same results showed. She started to feel anger rise in her chest. She slammed her laptop down in fury. “I’m sorry, I am having technical difficulties, can I be excused until further notice?” “Yes, we can revisit,”  the CEO replied. Kerry hurried down the hall into the bathroom. As tears streamed down her face, she prayed, “God I asked you for more patience! I just blew a huge opportunity for me- I was late and my presentation didn’t work. Where are you when I need you? I’m just going to have to wing it! I’m so mad!” She immediately went to her office to contemplate a plan to win her boss over. I’ll brainstorm over lunch, Kerry thought to herself. Kerry stopped in her tracks as she opened her mini fridge. “Ugh! I forgot my lunch! Can this day get any worse?”

Kerry started to pace around her office. I don’t know what to do, today was the deadline for my project and I feel so embarrassed. I will just have to plead my case to the CEO. Maybe I can ask my assistant to send her some goodies. I don’t know who else can help me. All of these thoughts seemed to flood her mind in desperation. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Kerry opened the door to see the CEO standing there. “Mrs. Springer, I apologize-” “Kerry, let me stop you right there, there is no need to keep apologizing. You stormed out of the room so fast before we could set a time to reschedule today. It’s okay, things happen in life. However, I had a talk with my colleagues, and this usually doesn’t happen but I have decided that you won't have to present because I know what you are capable of and trust what you can bring to the team. Your hard work and determination over the years granted you a pass. I would actually love to treat you to lunch today so we can discuss further details.” Kerry smiled so big and breathed a huge sigh of relief. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Springer! I greatly appreciate it!” “You are welcome, meet you in the lobby in ten minutes.” As she turned around, Kerry prayed, “God, I need to apologize to you. I admit I let my frustration get the best of me at times. You had everything play out in my favor, despite of- even lunch! Lord, I thank you.” She immediately heard God say, “All it took was patience, my child. Remember I will never leave you nor forsake you. You are forgiven.”

God will place you in the very situations that you have prayed over, but our response shows our faith. Our response shows whether or not we take hold of what God provides for us. My God will use his wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need (Philippians 4:19). We can’t let our situation override what God can do. Don’t ask God for something and not fully allow Him to use you through it. We have to be mindful to always acknowledge God even in the midst of the situation, and also be mindful of our attitude. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6). Have patience and wait on the Lord because in the end we know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28).

Psalms 27:14  Wait for the Lord’s help. Be strong and brave, and wait for the Lord’s help.

James 1:4  Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need.

Romans 12:12  Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times.

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up