\n<\/b>Have you ever heard the phrase \u201cPatience is a virtue\u201d? \u00a0Well, curious-little-me decided to look up where that saying came from. \u00a0As it turns out, there is an entire list of 7 heavenly virtues (to counter the 7 deadly sins). \u00a0This list is derived from the Psychomachia (“Contest of the Soul”), an epic poem written by Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (c. AD 410). These 7 virtues include: chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, and humility.<\/p>\n
Aurelius made a pretty good list, but I think he plagiarized or perhaps he drew some inspiration from Galatians 5:22-23: \u00a0\u201cBut the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness self-control; against such things there is no law.\u201d<\/p>\n
So how can we develop these virtues? \u00a0How can we develop the virtue of patience?<\/em><\/p>\n I believe that if we ask the Lord to help us develop the fruits of the Spirit (patience being one of them) then He will give us situations and opportunities in which we can develop our requests. \u00a0It\u2019d be nice if He would just zap us down some \u201cinstant patience,\u201d but that\u2019s not how He works. \u00a0And what a blessing! He\u2019s given each of us that opportunity RIGHT NOW! We can practice and develop our patience now in our singleness so we may glorify Him wherever He may lead us in the future.<\/p>\n I want to draw your attention to three points made by our authors:<\/strong><\/p>\n As I write to you, I cannot tell you that I will ever get married. \u00a0To be honest, God may not have that in His plans for my life. \u00a0And I must be okay with that possibility<\/strong><\/em>. \u00a0Ask yourself if you are truly okay with that possibility. \u00a0Have you turned your desire for marriage and a spouse completely over to God<\/span><\/strong><\/em>? \u00a0This is a daily submission for me. \u00a0\u201cLord, go before me today, and carry me through. \u00a0I want to do Your will today; I want to live the life You\u2019ve planned and be the person You\u2019ve created me to be.\u201d<\/p>\n God put a verse on my heart this week to share with you, dear Ladies in Waiting. \u00a0Romans 8:37-39: \u00a0<\/strong><\/em>\u201cNow, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. \u00a0For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present (singleness) nor things to come (either more singleness or marriage), nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n WHAT A PROMISE!<\/span><\/strong><\/em> \u00a0Jesus is our Husband and absolutely nothing can separate us from His love<\/strong><\/em>! \u00a0Not even ourselves, our impatience, our earthly desires, or our temptations can separate us. \u00a0As we wait, let us focus on our love relationship with Him. \u00a0His love is never-failing and never-ending!<\/p>\n Carissa<\/p>\n ***************<\/p>\n Let\u2019s Pray: I have two questions for you. \u00a0Answer whichever you prefer \u2013 or both! \u00a0 _____<\/b><\/p>\n\n
\nIn love,<\/b><\/p>\n
\n<\/b>Heavenly Father, we know and trust that Your ways are higher than ours. \u00a0Help us to trust in Your plans and Your timing for the desires of our hearts. \u00a0Lord, make our desires to be Your desires. \u00a0Father, grant us a spirit of patience as we wait upon You. \u00a0Father, thank you for Your perfectly constant and completely fulfilling love. \u00a0We love you, too, Father. \u00a0In your precious Name, Amen.<\/p>\n
\nYour Assignment:<\/b><\/p>\n
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Our Next Single Women’s Online Bible Study<\/b><\/h2>\n
“Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul” <\/b><\/h2>\n
by John & Stasi Eldredge <\/b><\/h2>\n
Begins January 6, 2013<\/b><\/h2>\n