Patience

Patience is one aspect of the 'fruit of the Spirit' described in Galatians 5.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23)
Here we go again, yet another word listed as 'fruit of the Spirit.' (We need to get some of this fruit! It sounds fantastic!) Think about this, if 'patience is 'fruit of the Spirit,' then for 'patience' to happen we have to be living in the Spirit.
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. " (James 1:2-3)
My spiritual belief, the things of God of which I am persuaded, when I am walking in that Spirit the fruit can be produced.
Here's the how-to of 'count it all joy'.
"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)
God's indwelling Holy Spirit conveys His truth and light through His living word (which He says is also Spirit.) As we rethink things in the light of this new understanding we experience a change of heart. With a new heart patience comes easily where it had been impossible even moments ago.
In this case I 'count it all joy' because I am persuaded that, in any various trial, I will learn something of my spiritual condition. It may disclose belief in an area where there was none, or it may point to issues where we have doubt instead of faith. We count it all joy either way, because, for someone who desires to follow Jesus, the 'testing' is an opportunity for spiritual growth.
"..rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;" (Romans 12:12)
Here again we see a that there's a relationship between patience and testing along with the inference that tribulation is an opportunity for patience.
It's worth emphasizing again that there is a relationship between the renewing of the mind and God's transforming work. When our faith is real rather than hoped for, the God's power is manifest and our energies are translated from potential kinetic.
"Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." (James 5:7-8)
"While we're waiting around here we probably ought to be establishing our hearts ya' think?"
"May as well. We have some time here."
God is good!

