LENT 2021:  PATIENCE

I am considering the need for more patience in my life.  By no means am I tested and tried as are so many people.  

I am not:

• suffering and in great pain - as are so many;
• in need of food and shelter - as are so many;
• living in anger and hatred - as are so many;
• absent from love and kindness - as are so many;
• alone and grieving - as are so many; 

So, Lord, why am I not patient - as are so many.  

My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. - JAMES 1: 2-4  (NRSV)  

For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen?  But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. - ROMANS 8:24-25  (NRSV)

I beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. -  EPHESIANS 4:1-3  (NRSV)

May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. - COLOSSIANS 1:11-12 (NRSV)