Jesus Has Time

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self control than one who takes a city.

— Proverbs 16:32 (NIV)

Living in a world where everybody wants everything “right now” does not advocate patience. And it encourages chaos and disappointment. We get so used to this atmosphere that we let it control us. Peace is no where to be seen or felt.

Peace comes through patience, letting go. Jesus never seemed to be in a hurry. He genuinely listened and cared for people. Once when he was on his way to heal a sick girl, another woman touched him in the crowd and he stopped. He didn’t say, “Get out of my way, I don’t have time for you now”. No, he patiently heard her story and praised her faith. Then he continued on his way. 

Jesus has time for you. He is patient with you and gives you the ability to be patient. He valued and cared for people. You can do the same. I don’t mean by gritting your teeth, but by allowing the new creation you now are to lead you. You have the power to change the atmosphere. 

People react when something they don’t like happens. Their emotions rule bringing tension and unrest. They use no patience or self control.

Having patience and self control does not mean trying harder. It means choosing Jesus to be Lord of your life, your thoughts, actions, words, responses, etc. Begin to see yourself as Jesus says you are. Imagine you, doing and being, as Jesus is. You have the same Holy Spirit he had and can respond by the spirit and not the flesh, just as he did. 

Visualize yourself as patient (letting go of the situation, resting) and self controlled. Self control really has to do with Lordship. Who is Lord of the moment? You or God? This has to be done continuously. It can’t be done one time and then expect to see a difference.

If I start thinking of myself as impatient because I failed, I have to simply remind myself than I am not that person anymore. I change my thoughts and that changes my picture.  I think of myself and imagine myself the way Jesus says I am. This takes effort and repetition because I am so used to being another way, but transformation comes.

The Holy Spirit is here to help you, not condemn you. Your part is to change your thoughts to his thoughts about yourself and your situation.

“A simple change in thought can turn the tide of any situation”.