I thought I was doing better with patience until a series of undesirable “coincidences” showed me otherwise. Turns out, my patience is selective.

A sequence of events, like something from an old “I Love Lucy” comedy, descended on me. Only I wasn’t laughing. I handled the first ones reasonably well—at least outwardly. But when the mishaps continued the next day, I wanted to explode.

In fact, I let off some steam in response to one of my beloved husband’s comments. The worst part—my well-placed zinger felt good. For the moment.

After more road blocks, another wasted hour, and a half pint of Chocolate Walnut Brownie Coconut ice cream, the Holy Spirit broke through.

Have you noticed how the Christian life is a God-and-me partnership? Sometimes we read verses like, “Stand still and watch the deliverance of the Lord” and think we don’t have to do anything. Everything will turn out great without any effort on our part. But a closer look shows Israel played a part in her battles. Joshua had to fight. Moses, Aaron, and Hur had to pray.

We read of the Israelites praising God for their victory. They knew without God, victory would have been impossible. But God used their muscle and steel even as He sent storms and floods and supplied strength.

My impatience reminded me that I can’t be patient in my flesh. And even after I asked God to fill me with His Spirit and rule my emotions and attitudes, I had a role to play. I didn’t immediately feel patient. I had to choose patience.

My friend Kim Taylor Henry’s new book Making God Smile 

shows us how to cooperate with the Holy Spirit so He can produce His fruit in us.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23 NASB).

Making God Smile contains 365 readings, one for each day of the year. The readings are divided into sections, beginning with faithfulness and ending with joy. You can choose the topic you want, start at the beginning, or skip around if you prefer.

Kim connects various verses with each facet to expand our understanding. For example, she reminds us of the link between thanksgiving and joy. We can’t flip a switch and feel joy. But we can give thanks for God’s blessings. Remembering our sins have been forgiven is reason enough for joy regardless of our circumstances.

Lessons illustrate various aspects of each topic. Day 219 on love, reminds us that not only is what we do important, but “just as essential is how we do it.”

Day 99 on patience spoke to me. She begins with “For the happy heart, life is a continual feast” (Pro. 31:25). She then talks about how her happy heart pumped the patience she needed on a day of setbacks.

Watching her fifteen-month-old granddaughter’s unsuccessful attempt to put on her shoes and socks reminded Kim of an important truth. The girl’s parents cheered their daughter’s efforts because she tried to please them. Our Heavenly Father also smiles when we put forth an honest effort to delight Him—and He completes what we can’t.

I may never perfectly practice patience. But when I try, because I want to please my Heavenly Father, He smiles and supplies the strength I lack.

Blessings,

Meet Kim Taylor Henry

I was an attorney for twenty-five years, which fed my analytical nature. Since then, travel to over seventy-five countries has broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation. My greatest joy remains family. We have three perfect grown children and five flawless grandchildren! We live in Colorado, and sometimes Oregon. I love adventures, hiking, walking, swimming, a healthy lifestyle, and, oh yes, coffee!

I’ve been a regular contributor to Daily Guideposts since 2105 and contributed to several other books. I taught a Bible Study on the Fruit of the Spirit for two years, and have studied the Bible for 25 years.

My hope is that my writing will make a difference in your life, that it will open your eyes and heart to God, and help you be more aware of your actions, your words, and the importance of every minute.  I pray it will bring you the joy of becoming your best for His glory!

You can find Kim and learn more about her book at her website. You can also find her book here.

Question: Which facet of the fruit of the Spirit would you like to see improved?

Photo by Colin Maynard on Unsplash

Sometimes I link with these great sites: Tea &Word Tuesday, #Kelly Balarie & Friends, #Recharge Wednesday, #Coffee for Your Heart, #TuneinThursaday, #HeartEncouragment #Dance with Jesus, #Grace and Truth, #FreshMarketFriday

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