Be patient, therefore brothers, until the coming of the Lord.
See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and late rains.
You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brothers, about one another, that you may not be judged.
Indeed, we call blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of the perseverance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, because “the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” These lyrics of this song are based on James 5:7-9, 11
As a kid just finishing third grade, I wasn't sure what to make of thislife within this concrete jungle while trafficking my thoughts; as I stood on the corner of Linn Street and Armory avenue of Cincinnati, Ohio. Just a young sole survivor living in Laurel Homes, West End, I would close my eyes and dream and think, “Patience”; you see I can’t talk to you because you are so strange to this overnight point of me, “I can’t even spell your name”. So why would I be patience? The “patience” stranger was His own reflection, but my “handle” didn’t know that.Those were strange times, Well, they seemed strange to me. Is it in all cases, about waiting expectantly with hope trusting God’s character and goodness? Do you ever wonder why?
“I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God”. Psalm 69:3
All throughout life people would remind me about being patience. Constantly saying, patience is a virtue accordingly to the Bible. Why would the bible talk about this term, I would wonder? Is it a vital part of trusting in God knowing our life circumstances or is it not always what we want “all about me” would prefer? As you go from milk to meat spiritually may these words from God bring us a guidance, wisdom help us practice patience; and most of all bring us Peace; in What he is? How he is?
When everything is going our way, patience is easy to demonstrate. The true test of patience comes when our rights are violated—when another car cuts us off in traffic; when we are treated unfairly; when our coworker derides our faith, again. Some people think they have a right to get upset in the face of irritations and trials. Impatience seems like a holy anger. The Bible, however, praises patience as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) which should be produced for all followers of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Patience reveals our faith in God’s timing, omnipotence, and love. So, how’s your Battle with Sin?
Although most people consider patience to be a passive waiting or gentle tolerance, most of the words translated “patience” in the New Testament are active, robust words. Consider, for example, Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore since we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” Does one run a race by passively waiting for slow-pokes or gently tolerating con artist? Certainly not! The word “patience” in this verse means “endurance.” A Christian runs the race patiently by persevering through difficulties. In the Bible, patience is persevering towards a goal, enduring trials, or expectantly waiting for a promise to be fulfilled.
Although most people consider patience to be a passive waiting or gentle tolerance, most of the words translated “patience” in the New Testament are active, robust words. Consider, for example, Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore since we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” Does one run a race by passively waiting for slow-pokes or gently tolerating con artist? Certainly not! The word “patience” in this verse means “endurance.” A Christian runs the race patiently by persevering through difficulties. In the Bible, patience is persevering towards a goal, enduring trials, or expectantly waiting for a promise to be fulfilled.
Patience does not develop overnight. God’s power and goodness are crucial to the development of patience. Colossians 1:11 tells us that we are strengthened by Him to “great endurance and patience,” while James 1:3-4 encourages us to know that trials are His way of perfecting our patience. Our patience is further developed and strengthened by resting in God’s perfect will and timing, even in the face of evil men who “succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes” Psalm 37:7. Our patience is rewarded in the end “because the Lord's coming is near” James 5:7-8. “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him” Lamentation 3:25.
How do we display the patience that is characteristic of Christ? First, we thank God. A person’s first reaction is usually “Why me?”, but the Bible says to rejoice in God’s will Philippians 4:4; 1 Peter 1:6.). Second, we seek His purposes. Sometimes God puts us in difficult situations so that we can be a witness. Other times, He might allow a trial for sanctification of character. Remembering that His purpose is for our growth and His glory will help us in the trial. Third, we remember His promises such as Romans 8:28, which tells us that “all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The “all things” include the things that try our patience.
The next time you are in a traffic jam, sufferings, betrayed by a friend, or mocked for your witness, how will you respond? The natural response is impatience which leads to stress, anger, and frustration. Praise God that, as Christians, we are no longer in bondage to a “natural response” because we are new creations in Christ Himself (2 Corinthians 5:17). Instead, we have the Lord’s strength to respond with patience and in complete trust in the Father’s power and purpose. “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life” Romans 2:7.
How do we display the patience that is characteristic of Christ? First, we thank God. A person’s first reaction is usually “Why me?”, but the Bible says to rejoice in God’s will Philippians 4:4; 1 Peter 1:6.). Second, we seek His purposes. Sometimes God puts us in difficult situations so that we can be a witness. Other times, He might allow a trial for sanctification of character. Remembering that His purpose is for our growth and His glory will help us in the trial. Third, we remember His promises such as Romans 8:28, which tells us that “all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The “all things” include the things that try our patience.
The next time you are in a traffic jam, sufferings, betrayed by a friend, or mocked for your witness, how will you respond? The natural response is impatience which leads to stress, anger, and frustration. Praise God that, as Christians, we are no longer in bondage to a “natural response” because we are new creations in Christ Himself (2 Corinthians 5:17). Instead, we have the Lord’s strength to respond with patience and in complete trust in the Father’s power and purpose. “To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life” Romans 2:7.
The reason is the season of God. Sometimes His wait time is long to deliver because of the goodness of the final outcome. “Therefore, the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him” Isaiah 30:18.
God Bless You and This Ministry!
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