How people define patience depends on who you ask. Some people feel entitled to have everything done their way and think they're being patient when they don't cause a commotion when things don't go their way.
Others think they're being patient if they've pushed in front of other people to get in front of a line but then wait for the next available person to help them. And still others define patience as waiting in line for hours for tickets to their favorite music artist, but can't wait five extra minutes to get out of church after services on Sunday morning.
Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to wait for God to show you what's next. And of course, God always looks at things differently than we do. His concept of time is completely opposite of ours.
I wonder if God has this big desk calendar where He keeps everybody's issues and He just sort of checks them off as His plan unfolds according to His timing. It's just way too easy to wish I could see that calendar! I'd love to know when I'm penciled in. Wouldn't you?
The absolute best thing you can do as you continue your journey to become patient is to pray, pray, pray. God understands this faith based problem and He's willing to help. But it's not until you get real with Him that things start to change.
Here is a prayer that will help get you started in your journey of becoming patient.
Print and Pray
Lord,
You are an awesome God, worthy of every praise. The creator of all things, yet You still care about the things that concern me.
You can surely see that I'm not doing very well being patient or prudent. I need your help God. The next time I'm in a trying situation, please help me to see all the facts, and be patient enough not to make bad decisions or mistreat anyone. Please forgive me for the times I've mistreated people. I can see that I was wrong in expecting everyone to be perfect and to do things when I want them done.
Please continue to do a work in me. I know I can't change myself, but with Your grace, I can. Your Word says that apart from You I can do nothing.
Lord, continue to work with me to make me into a kind, patient, and prudent person so I can continue to move forward in all You have for me.
Thank You Lord, for listening to me. Thank You for working in me.