Pray For Patience

Romans 5:3-5

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

I took my 3 year old to his cardiologist appointment today. I will admit it makes for a long day. It always takes a few hours and with a 3 year old it is interesting to say the least. As I was setting in the waiting room  something told me to look around. I begin to see the parents who I could tell was new to this life. Some showed stress, others looked annoyed over the wait, and others didn’t know how to accept the world they were entering. My family has lived this life for over 3 years, we know there is a possibility for bad news, our son will probably act up, and we are going to be there for a few hours at the least. We are a little experienced in this.. As I sat there watching these parents I realized this used to be me, but after 6 procedures and countless nights in the hospital a few hours is nothing. I tell you this because I had to learn through pain and battles how to be patient. It was hard, but now my wife and I have experience in what we have been through to help others going into that same battle. You see people say don’t pray for patience because God makes you learn patience through tribulations. Let me point something out. Without tribulation, I would not have turned back to God. Without those trials I would not be the man I am today. We have to go through tribulations to become stronger. We learn how to set down and say, “ok God, I will wait on you, I am trusting you to guide me through.” That is not something you just do. That is true patience, and with that is hope and faith in his ability to do so. So be glad when tribulations hit, God is only building that patience.