Being patient throughout different seasons in life is so important. Whether we are going through challenges that can bring about fatigue or victory that we want to experience more of, patience is key. Understanding that the seasons we experience are not always about us and seeking the Lord in our circumstances will sustain us.
For those of us who are married and/or have children, we quickly learn that others’ life experiences can become ours too. Yet, we have a choice in how to manage our attitude, feelings, and actions. We should pray and patiently stand on the promises of God to experience the best in different seasons of life.
My Patience Being Tested
Earlier this year, my wife Ayanna had surgery followed by a few weeks of recovery. I had to step up given her limitations to take care of her and our daughters, all the while keeping my normal work routine. We are often not prepared for the ‘load’ coming our way.
I made some adjustments eliminating my routine of going to gym, canceled attending a major professional conference, and withdrew from any leisure activities. I figured I could tough it out for a couple weeks. However, I, like so many of us miscalculated and found out how wrong I was. I experienced a new level of fatigue and frustration that I had not encountered before.
During this time, Ayanna made a comment regarding my attitude that cut me deep. Initially, I wanted to go in on her about gratitude. While pointing out that I was literally moving nonstop from five in the morning to ten in the evening. Trying to be everything to everybody day after day. Like I know so many of you do on a regular basis.
Instead of taking it up with her given her state of weakness, I voiced my frustration to the Lord in prayer. My circumstances at the time were challenging indeed, but my sacrificial service didn’t justify my attitude.
Growing Through The Hard Seasons
Most of us serve others out of the love we have for them or people in general. So we should be mindful of how our actions align with our intentions. As believers, we recognize that God is love. The first adjective describing love is ‘patient’ noted in I Corinthians 13:4. So I think patience is pretty important. I made a decision to love and serve my wife sacrificially, so I should have honored that decision with an attitude of gratitude. Not easy by any means, clearly I failed initially, but kept going.
I continued to pray for Ayanna to have a speedy recovery and for the Lord to sustain me for the health of our family.
I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, and heard my cry.
Psalm 40:1 (NKJV)
Praise the Lord for the healing and strength Ayanna gained in her recovery, the little things she was able to do, and the patience I developed.
That season brought about victory in so many ways, yet it was filled with challenges and fatigue. I gained a greater appreciation of the strength in marriage. How we can complement each other during seasons of strength and weakness to stay afloat. I learned how much more capacity I have by way of supporting my family. We also learned that our daughters had abilities to do more for themselves than we required of them prior to this experience.
Ultimately, seasons serve as markers to indicate a change in something. Sometimes it feels like we are overmatched. But the truth is that if we are not stretched or challenged, we won’t get better. We have to exercise patience and recognize that perseverance through trials produces character and strength. One of my favorite verses is
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)
Which talks about waiting on the Lord and its many benefits.
Personally, patience has proven to be a challenge throughout my life. I’m certainly not where I want to be when it comes to patience, but I have traveled quite a distance, and I imagine you have as well. Let’s stand on God’s promises during our seasons of waiting.
I’d love to hear about your seasons of developing patience!
This post really resonated with me! I am not always the most patient person. Thanks so much for sharing!!
I love this! Such an inspirational post! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
This is very encouraging. Patience is such a hard thing to have. Its easy to act on impulse, but having patience takes practice and discipline.
So awesome how you used your faith to help you through everything and something I need to be better about 😕
My patience was tested last year and early this year! There are too many ups and downs, but sometimes all you have to do is wait. Because not everything is in your control. Despite all these, you’ll soon realize that everything is worth it. ❤️
You had so many nice word for your wife and even though you struggled to keep up with life while she was recovering your faith totally helped you.
Patience is definitely a struggle for me but I’m learning how sometimes is necessary, if you are patient and wait for something it feels so much better in the end
This is what I am struggling with the most! It’s always easier said than done: patience is the key to a happy life, and it’s so easy to lose it these days. Both my husband and I struggle with patience, but we are really trying to motivate each other to be more patient not just towards each other, but towards every aspect of life.
Yes Gena, the struggle is real when it comes to patience! We certainly need patience across all aspects of our life. Thanks for sharing! E
Wow, such a great reminder to turn to the Lord in all seasons of life.
I wish I had more patience. It is something I really struggle with as a parent.
Such a beautiful post! With me and my husband, I’m the one who has more patience. Sometimes we really need to be challenged to be able to exercise it .
I have always struggled with patience and as a parent, I have gotten better and worse in different ways. It’s something I’m trying to be more conscious of.
Growing through the hard seasons is definitely what it is all about. Sometimes we are tested to see what we can handle, and patience is definitely something we all can always work on. Loved this post for the great reminder!
-Jennifer
I struggle with this a lot with the kids. It is so hard when you see them going through something and you are guiding them to make a change. It’s hard to be patient as they navigate it.
Powerful story and patience is one of the most difficult. I too have difficulty being patient. Many times I don’t understand it, but trusting God even without knowing the outcome is something I try everyday to do. Let Him take control. God bless you and prayers to you and your family
I am sure your family appreciates you stepping up and taking care of them all. It sounds like bringing things to God really helped your heart and helped you gain a deeper understanding.
I love how instead of taking it up on her, you talked to Go instead! Such a lovely post and just what I needed!
Have u tried meditating? I often find it hard to get the time but it really helps with stress. Great article, very well written.
Beautiful post! Thank you for this great reminder
Great post and a wonderful reminder to have patience. This is something I struggle with as well. Patience with my kids and my husband. But at the end of the day, I know my kids model me and feed off my energy so I work hard to focus on patients. I love the verse you quoted. It is perfect in times of trial.
It is so admirable that instead of arguing with her about what felt like ingratitude, you took it up with God. I hope that when I am in a situation similar I react the same as you.
Thanks Jasmine for your kind words! She was in a weak state and I surely didn’t want to cause any more pain or frustration. Grateful for having a relationship with God to help lift me up in that circumstance. Seek and trust God, He will give you the patience and strength needed to overcome. God bless you! E
i am very sorry to read of these health problems. Taking your words on patience to heart as mine seems tested a lot lately
What wonderful service you gave your family and wife! Stepping in for someone always help me to better appreciate the daily sacrifices they make. My husband has done the same for our family each time I give birth. I think it has really strengthened his relationships with our children. There are always blessings hiding in the trials as we patiently serve and endure.
Whew, patience is a place I most definitely have to continually work at. Whispering prayers to stay calm but sometimes I fail. This was very great coming from his perspective and it’s precious that God did something beautiful as a result of him leaning on God’s strength and guidance!!
patience is so hard, but my kids teach me to be more and more patience everyday. But it’s still a struggle.
My husband and I had a similar season in our lives when I experienced a serious injury after falling down a set of stairs. It took much longer for me to recover than we ever anticipated. I was homebound for nearly a month and couldn’t leave our second story apartment unless he carried me up/down the stairs, couldn’t drive or run errands, help with laundry or clean house or go to work. He really had to pick up the slack in all of those areas on top of his normal routine and responsibilities. I have to say, I have never in my life felt more guilty or useless (both for the medical expenses from the injury or being unable to do hardly anything). It’s a horrible place to be in, feeling like a burden to loved ones. I felt like I was constantly apologizing to my husband because I felt SO guilty. But he never once did or said anything to make me feel bad and always told me to stop apologizing, because he was happy to be there as my husband, in sickness or health. You probably have no idea what a gift it was to your wife for you not to take your frustration for the circumstances out on her, but instead to turn to prayer continue serving with patience and kindness. Patience and grace don’t always come easily, but they can bring us together in beautiful ways.
Praise the Lord! Thanks Reese for sharing your experience. Its encouraging to hear how your marriage reflected your vows of being there in sickness and in health. These seasons help us to get stronger and healthier in multiple areas. May God continue to bless you and your husband. E
I’m so sorry to learn of Ayaana’s health troubles. I wish her speedy recovery and good health always. I know it must take a toll on your family and you juggling it all. It is always admirable how you turn to faith to help you through hard times. Prayers and best wishes to you all
I’ve never been a patient person by nature, but I’m slowly learning how to go with the flow and practice patience. It frustrates me sometimes to be impatient – which is a bit mind-boggling to think about!
What encouraging verses! As a mom of three boys, I always ask to God to give me patience. And it’s true, God is love!
Wonderful post about the give and take of marriage, the patience required especially during the hard times and coming through it as better humans through God’s grace.
Thanks Leigh for your kind words! God’s grace is sufficient. E
Hi, E! It has been a season for me with my husband’s failed hip operation and some permanent damage, my mom was diagnosed with cancer and died six months later. I had a heart attack and subsequent hyperparathyroid surgery. This all happened within 10 months. What others called a test I call it my testimony. All during this season of my life, God has taught me more about patience, empathy, compassion, mercy, and grace in ways I can’t comprehend. God just kept whispering to my heart, I was going to be okay. On the days I wanted to run away, I learned to run to Jesus. On the days, I thought I couldn’t go anymore, God provided me with energy. It is God’s promises that have kept me from drowning. Things are far from perfect, but God is perfectly loving me through all of it and I know God is doing the same for you. I’m glad your beautiful wife is recovering nicely. Praying for both of you as you continue on your journey. Thank You for being authentic about learning patience. I’m right there with you!
Hallelujah somebody! What a powerful testimony Sheila, to God be the Glory! Thank you for sharing. You have experienced a tremendous season of testing, which reflects the ‘test’ you overcame in your testimony. You believed and stood on God’s promises that you would be okay. The essence of your journey reflects the importance of having a relationship with Jesus Christ. In Him, we can overcome, Philippians 4:13. May God continue to bless you and your family! Ayanna and I will be praying for you. E
Patience why does everyone have such a difficult time with this? Something I have struggled with all my life. Thank goodness I think I am getting better in my older years.
What a beautiful post and gentle reminder about patience. I have felt recently that my patience has been tested in certain situations. This post has served as a reminder to not only be kinder to myself, but to practice patience more. Thank you for sharing.