Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.

Tribulation: From G2346; pressure (literally or figuratively): - afflicted, (-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.

Yes, I am waiting for something to happen, and if it happened yesterday, it would not have been too soon for me. However, the One who is orchestrating the answers to my prayers is waiting for a perfect time for me, that I do not understand with my mortal mind. According to the above scripture and the dictionary explanation above, God is working patience in me.

As a young child in the 50’s, I could not wait till we went to visit my grandmother’s farm in Ohio and we could bale hay. For some reason, they only baled hay in August. Why couldn’t August be in the beginning of the summer?

In 1969, I remember standing and looking out the window, waiting for my car to be returned with its rebuilt engine, a 326 in my 1965 Pontiac LeManns. Why oh why was the mechanic taking so long.

In 1973 I took 30 days leave from the Navy.  The ship I was on in Athens, Greece, and flew home unannounced to surprise my wife who was expecting our first born. The 30 days came and went, and still no baby. I got a 10 day extension, and finally with the doctors help, she was born.

Seems that for some reason unknown to me, I have to repeatedly be taught (or dragged through kicking and screaming) patience, over and over and over. Maybe, this was for my benefit.

Have you ever felt like you were never going to get that job, promotion, or raise you needed, wanted, desired, had to have, and it seemed to be elusive or just out of reach, and then, there it was?

We have many financial and health issues facing us, our nation, and the world at this time. We find ourselves in what we would consider a time of lack, doing without, longing for an abundance in our finances and our family’s health.

I have friends who have lost their jobs only recently. Can you imagine going into this season of joy and giving, without a job or the finances to give to others like you desire to? Many have suffered sickness in their bodies or their friends or family are ill. Some do not have insurance, or if they have insurance, cannot afford the deductable to be able to get treatment. Swine flu, H1N1, and all the spin about the vaccines have many not knowing who to trust for information. What do we do?

I can only say that, you are not alone in your situation. I only recently had the flu, which turned into pneumonia. I missed a week of work and 2 weeks of my worship team responsibilities. I get Emails everyday from my friends in CMA, Heavens Saints, and from bikers in Europe, Africa, and the Philippines, requesting prayer for sickness, lost jobs, favor in legal matters, finances, and more. People everywhere are hurting. I think that I need my answer to prayer by Tuesday.

I think we should reconsider the verse at the top of this page. I do not mean to “spin” a new meaning to its words, but to reestablish them in our hearts and minds. God’s timetable is not always the same as mine, but sometimes it is. Consider that He is working something in us for our future greater good. Our future may have a test, a trial, or we our lives may have to be an example to others, who are just learning patience.

Jehovah Jireh, my provider. His grace is sufficient for me. I love this song.

According to one of my favorite teachers, Dr. Tim Hamon, in order to teach, he needs at least two books, the Bible, and a dictionary.

According to Webster’s dictionary:

Main Entry: ¹grace

Pronunciation: \ˈgrās\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin gratia favor, charm, thanks, from gratus pleasing, grateful; akin to Sanskrit gṛṇāti he praises

Date: 12th century

1 a : unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification b : a virtue coming from God c : a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace
2 a : approval, favor <stayed in his good graces> b archaic : mercy, pardon c : a special favor : privilege <each in his place, by right, not grace, shall rule his heritage — Rudyard Kipling> d : disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency e : a temporary exemption : reprieve
3 a : a charming or attractive trait or characteristic b : a pleasing appearance or effect : charm <all the grace of youth — John Buchan> c : ease and suppleness of movement or bearing
4 —used as a title of address or reference for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop
5 : a short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks
6 plural capitalized : three sister goddesses in Greek mythology who are the givers of charm and beauty
7 : a musical trill, turn, or appoggiatura
8 a : sense of propriety or right <had the grace not to run for elective office — Calvin Trillin> b : the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful

synonyms see mercy

As you can see, it has several meanings. The one I focused on was God’s unmerited favor. Study this out and see what conclusions you come to. Build up your faith and speak forth the truth of God over your life.

May God’s unmerited favor be yours as we end this year and begin a new one!

Bubba <”//><