As the week progressed, there was one morning when the fog was so thick we could not see the ocean, much less ten feet from our deck. I was enjoying a great cup of coffee, and as I was sitting there, I contemplated how my Christian walk was similar to what I was seeing. Let me explain. 

As a non-Christian, I didn’t think of God too much. I was doing my own thing so many times in my life, leading to frustration, anger, disappointment, and, worst of all, hiding behind a mask of who I was. During these times, I thought for sure that if anyone knew what I was really like, no one would want to be with me, become my friend, or remain my friend. Has anyone else ever thought this way?

When I look back at this time period, knowing what I know now, I can see how our adversary, who walks around like a roaring lion, was trying to keep me blinded to the loving ways of our beautiful Lord Jesus! And he was succeeding, mightly. However, as I came to the end of my metaphorical rope, I reached out and grabbed, with all my might, the mighty hand of Jesus, who, by the way, was always pursuing me with His steadfast love. He showed this to me and us over two thousand years ago: 

8 But God demonstrates his love for us in that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. 9 Now that we are made right by his death,b we can be absolutely sure we'll be saved by him from the coming judgment. 10 While we were his enemies, God made us his friends through the death of his Son, and so we can be absolutely sure that he will save us through the life of his Son. Romans 5:8-10 FBV

Sitting there looking at the fog and thinking back to the time before my Christian walk, I compare it to what I saw right before me. Nothing but fog, which at that time was confusion, sorrow, guilt, shame, and so many other destructive emotions. But, thankfully, my Father had and has a much better plan for me than I could ever imagine. The inspired Word of God tells me of this:

11 I know what I intend to do for you, declares the Lord. I plan good things for you and not bad. I'm going to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call for my help, you will come and pray to me, and I will answer you. 13 You will look for me, and you will find me when you're completely committed to looking for me. Jeremiah 29:9-13 FBV

One thing I want to mention about these Scripture verses is that so many of us read Jeremiah 29:11 and forget about the other verses after it. And here is where I am going back to my story. When the fog was slowly lifting, and I was beginning to see the shoreline, this is where I am reminded of how verses 12-13 come into play with my walk with God. He is ALWAYS with us and lives inside of every true Born Again believer. He has promised that He “will never leave us or forsake us.”  I am diligently seeking Him, and that is not to say I am doing this perfectly, but I am committed to embracing the Love of God! And I hope you are, too. We all should be. He ONLY wants the best for us, each and every one of His masterpieces, you and I. 

As the fog continued to lift, like my walk with God, I began to see more clearly the beautiful things He had/has in store for me. We should step out in faith and embrace His goodness and kindness. And remember, this is for ALL of us. Finally, when the fog completely lifted, I could again see His beautiful creation, which I had longed to see. 

All of this leads us back to the title of this blog: Our Lord is so Patient! Praise God!! Below are a few Scripture verses that describe our Lord’s patience to the T: 

But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:1

Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:12-13

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9