Patience Beyond Belief
So there’s this thing that I’m really awful at. It’s called discipline. Ever heard of it? Yeah, it’s something that I think a lot of people have together. But here’s my deal – I get super distracted all the time. Whether it’s because of social media, friends, or food (this happens more times then you’d think. I like food, guys), I get distracted all the time. And I never really realize it until I’m ridiculously stressed out. Even while I’m writing this article, I’m 5 days late on it. 5 DAYS! What?!
Applying this to school and schoolwork:
[pullquote width=”300″ float=”right”]But that’s the great thing about Jesus. He does have patience with us. He doesn’t have deadlines, due dates, or anything like that.[/pullquote]Sometimes I catch myself thinking “hmm, I can totally watch another episode on Netflix and just stay up later and do my homework,” all the time knowing that if my work isn’t done by 10, it isn’t getting done. Or “I’ll totally get my work done before ‘The Bachelor’ comes on,” and then nothing happens. The thing is, I never realize how badly I’ve hurt myself until I get to class and I have nothing done, or I’m crying to my mom on the phone about how stressed out I am. And let me tell you, professors have very little patience with that (luckily my mom has more patience than professors).
Applying this to Jesus:
I am the living worst at being disciplined in my life with Christ. Let me explain. I love Jesus with all of my heart, and I don’t know the type of person I would be if I didn’t. But, even though I love Him, I still struggle at being disciplined enough to read my bible daily, being in prayer, and constantly being Jesus to others. Sometimes I really suck at life and I know that I’m not shining a light for Christ at all times. But that’s the great thing about Jesus. He does have patience with us. He doesn’t have deadlines, due dates, or anything like that. He wants us to come as we are, and that means the lazy procrastinators we are. He very much does want us to be consistent in the Word and in prayer, and for us to always shine a light for Him, but He knows who we are and knows that it might take some time for us to get to that point with Him.
So if you are someone who is consistent in the Word, in prayer, and in exuding Jesus, you rock! And if you’re like me, someone who struggles but loves Jesus with all your heart, you rock too! The whole point is that, yes, discipline is important, but don’t be discouraged if you’ve been struggling with it. Jesus loves you and adores you for who you are and is thrilled beyond belief that you actually want to have a relationship with Him, and He knows that it might take some time. But He has patience and grace (and such) that makes everything all okay. We should all strive to be better than we are, but it is okay if it takes a little while to get there.
- Shattered Glass - August 25, 2017
- Rising Tides Raise All Ships - January 19, 2017
- Daughter of a King - December 14, 2016
Yep, I think that’s called being human. Even the most disciplined person has set backs when it comes to study and prayer. Speaking of, my prayers are with you!
It’s all a journey, with his grace new every morning. ‘He knows that it might take some time.’ Baby steps grow into leaps and bounds. Thanks, Katie!
Praise God for not having deadlines and due dates! I’m happy there’s no set syllabus for the Christian life, too. We’d all fail so hard!
You didn’t fall far from the tree. 🙂 But I love your perspective!
I love that I can ‘hear’ so much of your mom (whom I adore!) in your writing and wisdom, BUT I love even more that I’m getting to know your own voice of wisdom, which is definitely shining a light for Jesus. Yes, yes, yes to all you’ve written. Thank goodness we have a Savior who knows we need him so.
Love your spirit Katie- procrastination and all.
So thankful that we don’t have to do life just right to be right with Him, that He loves us flaws and all!