Patience in Self-Control

A few days back I read in an insert from Oswald Chambers in which he said he felt sorry for anyone who didn't have something in his life that he didn't want there. There are often times when I wonder what good ever comes from irritations, suffering, stretching, or walking though the refining fire; whatever you want to call it.  But, in the end, there is always joy, freedom, and fruit.  Right?

So then, if we are pretty sure there is victory and reward at the end of a trial, why are so many afraid to pray for patience?  I doubt there is no lack of prayers about joy, gentleness, or love, but maybe I’m wrong.  Maybe it’s all the fruits of the spirit we’re absolutely terrified to pray for. I’ve heard over and over to never pray for patience, but if it’s a fruit of the spirit, shouldn’t I be endlessly searching for it?  Isn’t that my goal, for these traits to be my impulse, to be my first reaction? 

Proverbs 29:11 Fools give full vent to their rage,
   but the wise bring calm in the end.

 Gal. 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

 I believe when we earnestly seek God for something, and genuinely want to put in the effort, He will reward us and we will produce the fruit of the spirit that we yearn for.  Yes, I said effort.  This is likely why we are so afraid to pray for these characteristics, because God doesn’t just wave a wand and change us.  There is always a choice of action on our part.  It’s like learning anything, until we live in the Matrix.  We have to learn through trial and error, there is no easy download tool in this program, not yet anyway. 

 This all stems out of a drive to be the best mother I can be.  Some days I see myself with so little self control and patience, and I know there is really nothing else I need.  How can I not pray for God to help me in this area?  No doubt I will have ample opportunity to put the fruits into practice, and I will most likely endure times of intense discomfort, but each interaction with my children, and any human in general, will be an opportunity to grow.  I have to believe on the other side there is victory.  I want to be the calm in the end, and not a whirling dervish who can't even control what comes out of my mouth.

My Take on All of This

The is no doubt countless blogs, facebook posts, and twitter updates going out today praising the efforts of American intelligence, and the American Military, it is all well deserved.  Surely there will be varying opinion for every response and emotion, all over the spectrum; from joy in justice, to sorrow in a lost soul -no one can tell you your feelings are wrong.  Let us also not forget who destines the last breath of every being, and the one who gifts us discernment and wisdom to put every play into action.  Every knowledge is a gift from God.  There are things He keeps hidden until the right time.  I fully believe America had every capability to take Osama Bin Laden much sooner, but for reasons that escape me, and I'm not privy to, it was not time until now.

I rejoice in the justice that has been served to so many of the hurting Americans, and victims around the world, who have suffered at the hands of this devious man.  Yet in the same moment, I do not rejoice in another soul that has met Hell, there is no rejoicing in the fact that my enemy has suffered, but instead I rejoice that no more will suffer by my enemies hands.

Psalm 50:6
And the heavens proclaim his righteousness,
   for he is a God of justice.

Ezek 33:10
I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his ways and live.