GOD IS LONGSUFFERING

"Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting." I Timothy 1:16.

The word longsuffering means "to be patient, forbearing, or long spirited." God is very patient with us. Sometimes we have a tendency to complain that God does not act quick enough in answering our prayers and providing for our needs. We tend to get impatient with God. We should be equally glad that He is not so swift to give us the punishment we deserve. If God were not so patient, we would have been gone long ago. Thank God for His patience, or longsuffering.

If you are a Christian you are a testimony of God's patience. That is what Paul is referring to in the Scripture, "that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering." Paul knew that his conversion to Christ was a pattern for others to see how longsuffering God is. Paul had been a persecutor of Christians and churches. He was public enemy number one against the work of God in his day.
The grace that brought salvation to Paul was a testimony to the longsuffering of God. God would have been justified in destroying Paul the first time he raised his voice or his hand against God's children. But God is longsuffering, or patient. In the same manner, God had every right to remove us for our prideful, self-centered living. I am so thankful for this simple fact: God is longsuffering.

Since God is so patient with us, doesn't it stand to reason that we should be longsuffering with others? If we could only be half as patient with others as God has been with us, what a difference it would make. When we are losing patience with others - saints or sinners - it would be wise to remember how longsuffering God has been with us.
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Dear GOD:

I want to thank You for what you have already done.
I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards;
I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better;
I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me;
I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears;
I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves;
I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet;
I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job;
I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief;
I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed;
I am thanking you right now.
I am thanking you because I am alive.
I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties.
I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.
I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better.
I'm thanking you because, Father, YOU haven't given up on me.
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Thank You for visiting this site. If we can be of help in any way, please do not hesitate to ask. Much Blessings on you and yours, Dr. Joseph A.Carson Northland Baptist Ministries