The patience of the Lord

The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard “delay,” but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

We can become impatient with the Lord. We can think that he allows us to be suffering situations for too long. This makes it challenging to grow in our faith or to stay hopeful in life. Why does God make us wait to have good things? It is good to help us be more patient.

Patient people are healthier

Now, obviously, not every patient person fits the bill, but it is clear that patience generally contributes to mental and physical health. When we are able to wait and tolerate difficult people, we maintain a healthier disposition. How much mental energy do we waste often on people who are simply laying their problems on us?

Patient endurance attains all things

St. Teresa of Avila has a beautiful poem.

Let nothing frighten you (Nada te turbe)

Let nothing disturb you (Nada te espante)

All things are passing (Todo se pasa)

God cannot be moved (Dios no se muda)

Patient endurance attains all things (La paciencia todo lo alcanza)

He who has God lacks nothing (Quien a Dios tiene nada le falta)

God is enough (Solo Dios basta)

When Jesus says that the meek will inherit the earth when he gives the discourse of the Beatitudes, I think he is speaking to this attitude of knowing that God has everything in his hands. It is so hard for us to learn to trust God, but it is also the key to peace of heart and happiness.

What do you need to accomplish? Take it to Christ and trust in Him, working as best you can, but knowing that He will work all things out for the best. Live in the present moment and trust in God. He is patient with you. Be patient with Him.