Patience in everyday circumstances is difficult enough, but patience in times of sickness and pain is a different story.

Most of us are not especially equipped for exercising patience. It seems to be one of those virtues that puts us to the test and draws us close to God, one we must practice in small and big ways almost continually.

I have been in and out of hospitals for the last five months; my latest stay has already stretched for a period of two months. Those of you who have experienced hospitalizations know that a two-month stay can be quite exhausting: nurses coming in and out all the time to take tests, waking you up in the middle of the night or at 5:00 in the morning; bland unappealing food; long hours that drag on; doctors that don’t give you enough information; young doctors that come in for training to whom you have to explain your medical history time and time again; roommates that aren’t always pleasant, and many more unwelcome situations.

It has been said that “patience is staying put where you are and holding on when you feel like running.” Well, after such a long time in the hospital I sure felt like running. Yet I had no other option but to stay put.

I thought to myself: Either I let this bring me down or I try to make lemonade out of this lemon. So, I made friends with my roommates and nurses, talking about different subjects, including the Bible, and leading some to receive the Lord. I decided that instead of complaining about the food, I would try to like it. I would enjoy the exercises recommended by the physiotherapists. At times I was so focused on leaving the place as soon as possible that I got anxious about the future. But as the saying goes: “Patience mustn’t be one inch shorter than the affliction.”

It’s human nature that we want to reach the Promised Land without going through the desert. But God knows we need those desert times to learn to wait on Him, which is an act of trust and faith. “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14).

I heard God’s still, small voice tell me innumerable times: “Wait on Me. Be patient. I am working on your behalf.” But it was easy to forget that and fall back into my impatient mindset. Sweetly and mercifully the Lord would remind me again and again that His times are not mine.

That’s where faith comes in, because as John Calvin said: “There is no place for faith if we expect God to fulfill immediately what He promises.”

I came to the point where I realized that my nervousness wasn’t going to get me anywhere, and I decided to trust God and not fret over my discharge date. I realized the importance of just taking one day or even one hour at a time and living in the present.

Day by day I have learned and applied a few strategies that you might find helpful if you are ever in a similar situation.

Read your Bible. The Gospels and the Psalms are particularly encouraging and strengthening. Memorize a favorite passage or two, especially one that encourages and inspires you in your affliction. The Word of God works wonders to calm an antsy spirit.

Tell people about the wonders that God has done for you or the blessed life you have lived despite your present circumstances. Share testimonies of past miracles or instances where He showed up clearly in your life.

Catch up on a book that you were hoping to finish but couldn’t find the time to read.

Play Bible trivia or other games with your visitors. It helps to distract you and divert your attention from those agonizing thoughts about the future.

Strength permitting, send messages to relatives and friends and catch up on your communications. A couple of phone calls to friends helps to alleviate your uneasiness.

Find a good movie to watch on your cell phone, laptop, or TV if your hospital room has one.

Whatever you do, don’t just stare at the roof and get depressed. Find some interesting activity or pastime that will cheer you up.

In the end, when I had resigned myself to waiting two more weeks for my discharge, the doctor came and told me that I could be released sooner. Hallelujah!

Someone once taught me: “Don’t give up too soon. Don’t fail the course by running out before the bell rings in God’s school and He is about to promote you to the next grade.”

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).