Patiently Suffering

Snappy title, isn't it?

We recently spent some time with dear friends who have a young toddler. If you ever need a lesson in being persistent, toddlers have it figured out.

We were celebrating a birthday, and cake would be served after our meal.

Now, we adults knew the protocol: eat your meal, help clean up, then wait patiently for cake.

Not so for our fearless toddler.

"Can I have cake yet? Is it time for cake yet? Are you done eating yet? Can I have cake now?"

No amount of distraction would pull her away from her goal.

Dad then, in his parental wisdom, shared a lovely song called The Fruit of the Spirit - Patience from the anals for a children's show called The Music Machine, which is now burned in my memory.

"Have patience, have patience.

Don't be in such a hurry.

When you get impatient, you only start to worry.

Remember, remember that God is patient, too."

Eventually, the cake was presented, the candles were blown out, and all was well with the world.

We've talked about patience many times on our journey together, probably because it's something I am still working on (amidst many other things).

I decided to look up the meaning of the word patient, and what I found really hit me.

The word Patient comes from the Latin patiens, meaning, get ready for this, "I am suffering." Patiens is also related to the Greek word \\paskhein, which means "to suffer."

Be patient.

Be suffering.

Patience is suffering.

Yep, that tracks.

Waiting patiently is suffering.

Look at a toddler, and you will see displayed outside what we all feel inside.

Hoping. Expecting. Silence.

Not knowing when. Not knowing how. Not knowing if.

Wishing. Praying. Silence.

In life's hardest struggles and sufferings, being patient is usually part of the equation.

Sometimes, like that sweet cherub, the cake is served, and we get what we want.

Sometimes, we don't.

But no matter the outcome, God is with us, protecting, strengthing, and holding us close.

Patience reminds us to rely on God and hold on tight to Him.

There are times I want to be like a toddler, shouting my requests and demands to God.

But that is short-sighted.

Suffering, as hard as it is, is temporary.

In this world, we will have trouble. God told us that.

But he also told us that he overcame the world and that in Heaven, all will be well.

So, if you are patiently suffering right now, hold tight and know that God is with you, protecting you and always keeping you close.   

Even if you don't get the cake.

God is with us always and forever.

John 16:33

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Romans 5: 3-4

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Psalm 27:14

Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord.