Faith and Patience

In life we often come across a situation or two that requires faith, ok most situations. Alright, alright! Life requires Faith!

The Bible says that, "Faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains," (I paraphrased a little there but you know what I meant!). Faith is the substance of things hoped for (ever hope for some things?), the evidence of things unseen (Hebrew 11:1)! Or so grandma might say, "Faith without works is dead!" Or on a day when I want to throw in the towel, (don't act like I'm the only one who has those) and he gently says to me, "Where is your faith?" Hope thou my soul, soul hope in God. My faith is in God.

Ok so I have the concept of faith down, like most of us "say" we do, especially if you grew up in church. My problem is Patience!What is patience? Patience is bearing or enduring pain, difficulty, provocation, or annoyance with calm, according to www.thefreedicitionary.com (patience is also known as long suffering) Translation: Going through the storm without acting a monkey, lol! Your storm may be unemployment, bad children, or an unhappy home. Whatever the case, "We" can make it through the storm if we exercise a little bit of patience.

Patience and faith go hand in hand, I'm learning.News flash: Patience is not a natural trait for everyone. Proverbs says, "A person's wisdom yields Patience." Some of us can hardly stand to wait in line at the grocery store to buy the things we want/need. LOL! Please don't even get me started on Road Rage! That's a serious case of "Got Patience?" Hence, patience being considered a virtue or divine trait! I was told by (Lady Hairston),Sonya Hairston not to ask for patience, because it brings about tribulations (Romans 5:3). Lord knows that was many moons ago! And, I'm still holding on, persevering, and pushing through trials in my life.

I have endured many trials, maybe I haven't produced the right fruit from my previous trials? Maybe this is all part of the process? Or maybe, it is simply that God is pushing me, and pressing me like an olive, to get the oil? You know the oil that is necessary to live the life that God see's me living- the life I've been dreaming about! "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised" (Hebrew 10: 35-36). Yep you read that correctly- a few scriptures before the famous Faith, is Patience. I told you, Faith is married to Patience! :) As my family and I sat down to dinner, a la the local Chinese restaurant, I completed my beef and broccoli and got to my favorite part: the fortune cookie! It read: The principle part of Faith is Patience!

Now, That's Soul Food!

Love ya,