Asking for Patience

I must confess. I find it to be a bit irritating when a parent asks for prayer, and they say, "I just really need patience with my children..."

And then someone sitting near by says, "Oh, you know what you get when you ask for patience, right? Situations where you have to be patient."

Really? When I sincerely pray to God, and I'm having a rough afternoon or something, and I ask for patience, does He just chuckle and say, "I'll be sure to have Caleb irritate you even more to see how you respond. He will tell you no. He will bother his sister. He will kick the dog. Then you'll learn to ask for patience."

I don't think so.

Philippians 4:19 tells me, "But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." While I know He supplies me with the "things" I need like food, clothing, shelter, etc, I have to believe that He will supply my emotional needs as well.

When I feel like I've had enough, I ask for patience.

Each morning, I have been walking into Caleb and Sarah's room...before they wake up...and I say, "Lord, please give me the wisdom and patience for each situation that comes my way today. Let me be the mother you created me to be."

And I believe He smiles at me. I believe He wants me to ask Him for this throughout the day.

The same is true with my marriage. With friendships. With family. When situations arise that require wisdom or patience, I know He wants me to seek His face.

So it's okay to ask for patience. I truly believe it is.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6&7