Longsuffering
"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put-on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering." Colossians 3:12.
Longsuffering...Sounds awful, right? Longsuffering isn't a word I want to be a part of my story. I don't particularly want troubles to begin with, let alone for an extended period of time. Yet haven't we all walked through difficult circumstances that felt unending? The kind that has required "longsuffering?" As humans we actually don't often understand the reason behind longsuffering, and yet, they are sure to come. Galatians 5:22, Paul writes, "The fruit of the Spirit is longsuffering." There it is. Longsuffering is actually a "fruit of the Spirit." Fruit! This Biblical word means forbearance, or in other words. "Patience." Yep, patience and longsuffering are the same fruit. Who knew?
This happened to so many of our Biblical sisters before us. Sarah laughed. Hannah worshipped God. And Elizabeth shared her joy with others after years of barrenness. These women became fruit bearers. If you have been in a season of longsuffering and find your patience running thin, ask God to help you look at your circumstances through the lens of His love instead of a lens of disillusionment or disappointment.
God has the measuring gauge in His hands. He sees things we don't see, and He knows things we don't know. He sees the present, past and future from the day you were conceived to the time you take your last breath. He declares...He is the "One who will sustain you." When we earnestly seek God, we will see God. If we want to see Him in our circumstances, we must spend time with Him and His Word. No matter how long or difficult your time of longsuffering, become a fruit bearer and you will find exceeding joy and overwhelming peace.
"Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken." Psalm 55:22.
Sweetest Blessings,
Jo
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