At the beginning of the month, many people shared goals, aspirations, and resolutions for 2018. Some years, I don’t really have any new goals to share. This was one of those years.

I’ve realized that it is good to simply live our lives for the Lord. This is where I am right now. I must admit that I am in a bit of a faith crisis at the moment. I’m a few months in to really seeking who God is. It sounds so silly. I thought I knew who God was, but I’ve realized that much of what I know revolves around church teachings, and not necessarily Biblical teachings. I’ve been learning so much.

During this time I’ve realized that the Lord more patient than I could ever imagine. He is so long suffering. I have been a believer for twenty-five years, and looking back at my life sometimes my progress as a Christian seems so slow due to me, and not Him. And yet He has been nothing but loving, nurturing, and patient.

And then about one month ago, I was really annoyed by the actions of a group of Christians. At first, I thought it was righteous anger. But then I realized that just as the Lord has been patient with me, maybe I should be patient with them. God is so long suffering, and showers His beautiful mercy on us all. Each day is a gift. It is amazing to think about, really.

He is willing to “suffer long” for His children, but am I? Our Lord Jesus suffered long for His spouse (the ekklesia, or “called out ones”), but do I act the same way towards my husband?

Unfortunately, no. I do not. This year, I want to focus on the fruit of long suffering.

The fruits of the Spirit, such as long suffering, grow as we spend time in the Word. The Holy Spirit speaks through Scripture, like the following example in Hebrews 10.

“And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying, “THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART, AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM,” He then says, “AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.”

I hope that with God’s help I will be much more patient by this time next year.

Thank you so much for stopping by! I would love to connect with you on Facebook. I’d also like to invite you to my Mary & Martha Facebook Page, or to look at beautiful and inspiring Mary & Martha home decor. It is a such a blessing to serve you!

This post may include affiliate links.