Three summers ago my friend Nancy gave me a little slip of a hibiscus syriacus, also known as a Rose of Sharon. The Rose of Sharon is known as a hardy shrub. I had visions of this little slip growing tall and bearing oodles of large trumpet-shaped flowers with prominent yellow-tipped white stamens.
The first year I planted the slip in a medium-sized pot. It didn’t die, but it didn’t grow either. The following summer I transplanted the little plant into the ground near our front porch. It grew like a weed and actually grew so tall, so fast, that it became unstable and fragile. The tall and thin plant stayed green and didn’t produce a single flower.
Last fall my Chief Gardener cut back the little stem and covered it for the winter. This spring we transplanted it for the third time. With my patience waning, I have pruned the little plant several times, helping it to grow into a single tree with a bushy, full green top.
With my patience waning, when I least expected it, this lovely little flower/bush/tree bloomed! As we start the new week, the Rose of Sharon is loaded with blooms. Each one reminding me of a verse about … patience. I don’t think I am alone when I say people have a tendency to want things when they want them. NOW. The Bible gives us encouragement on the subject of Patience.
Have a blessed Monday,
Catherine
Uplifting Bible Verses On Patience
Renewed Strength
Isaiah 40:31 Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.
From the book of James
James 1:19-20 This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
James 5:7-8 Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
In Due Time
Galatians 6:9 And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.
Encourage others
1 Thessalonians 5:14 And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men.
From the Book of Psalms
Psalm 37:7-9 Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret, it leads only to evildoing. For evildoers will be cut off, But those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.
Psalm 46:10 “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Walk with Patience
Ephesians 4:1-2 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love.