My children know that if there is something I hate is the slow movement of things. The definition of the word patience is one’s capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble or suffering without getting angry or upset. I once made a mistake of praying to God to give me more patience not knowing that He was going to send my way situations that will help me practice. I had tons of situations and people coming my way testing my patience; I ended up changing my prayer.

Often times we think being patient is doing nothing. I quickly learned this is far from the truth. When you are patient you are working harder than usual, as you are swimming against the natural current. For example, for most of us if we are going through some difficulties the natural reflex is to get upset, lash out steam and we may kind of feel good for a time. But patience requires to keep your cool and focus even when all is in turmoil inside. It is like a duck gliding gracefully and calmly on the surface of the water, but under the water, his feet are paddling like crazy. Here are some of my tips to keep my cool when I’m in a tough situation:

• I rejoice in hope. This is not wishful thinking but a firm belief that things will work out
• I deliberately slow my pace so that I can get a better perspective of the situation. I try to avoid making rash decisions.
• I continue in prayer. I always feel light after unloading my burdens to God in prayer. I feel confident that He is able to lead me to the right path.

God encourages us in Exodus 14:14 in these words; “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still”. I find it hard to be still when things are chaotic and calling me to act. However, most of the times when I act in the heat of the moment it makes things worse. The stillness that the Bible is talking about here is to actively trust God in whatever situation that He will bring you out victoriously. While you are being still, you can reflect on past situations that maybe were even tougher than the current one and God fought for you. This will give you strength to ride the storm and come out stronger.