While the fall semester has begun, September and football season are finally here. Students around campus are soaking up the last moments of summer while others are happy to be ordering PSLs at Starbucks. The past few weeks I've struggled to try and juggle the everyday tasks of college. School. Work. Extracurriculars. Church. Friends. Family. Social Life. How are there enough hours in a day to do it all? Studying God's Word, however, has taught me patience through this process in order to find peace.

The number one tip I have for being patient is staying connected through prayer. Living in a world driven by automatic satisfaction, we are often disappointed when one little thing doesn't go our way. God tells us in Romans 12 that we should be "joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer." Hoping that good things will come, we are joyful for the future. When troubles come our way we are to rely on God in order to overcome trials and tribulations. God never promises life will be easy. Falling to our knees in prayer allows us to understand God's peace while showing thanks and humility.

Often times caught up in a daily routine, it can be difficult to wait. Waiting can be painful, especially in times of crisis. Through the wait, however, God teaches us patience so that we can glorify his kingdom. Apostle Paul explains that patience is one of the fruits of the spirit and that "long-suffering" is essential to our lives. Along with patience comes perseverance that leads us to be strong and courageous.

Responding with patience, we can also find gratitude in our daily lives. Those who wait and appreciate life's daily blessings are promised peace. Being content with what we have and thanking God for his grace and mercy shows others the love of Jesus. Through the trials of life, we obtain maturity in our faith in order to live out the Great Commission.

Overall, peace is found when we are persistent in prayer and patient with God's commands. Those who trust the Lord and understand his timing are granted blessings in return. Going through the everyday routine of classes and extracurriculars, it is important to step back and realize why God's patience is a virtue.