We all need patience, especially mothers with young children. As Christians, it becomes us and gives glory to the Lord when we exhibit patience with others. It pleases God when we are patient with Him and learn to wait upon Him to answer our prayers and to give us guidance and direction in troublesome times as well as in normal daily affairs. It has been said, if you ask the heavenly Father for patience, He will send you trials to teach you patience and endurance. And when you ask the Lord for patience don't tell Him that you want it right now !! We may be amused by that statement, but it pretty well describes modern man's impatience. It is in our makeup to expect instant results. After all we have instant mashed potatoes, microwaveable meals, immediate response from our Internet, and the list goes on. We also do not like to wait in lines or to be stuck in stalled traffic. Again, we need patience. After all, it is one of the fruits of the Spirit.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." - Galatians 5:22-23
"Longsuffering" in the verse above is an old English word for patience. "Patience is a quiet, steady perseverance; the bearing of pain, provocation, annoyance, and misfortune, without complaint, irritation, or loss of temper." So says the dictionary. We all know what patience means without having to consult a dictionary, but do we actually live it out in our lives?
There are many examples of patience - as well as impatience - in the Bible. Moses showed impatience and anger with the stubborn and complaining people that he was leading from Egypt to the Promised Land. God told Moses to speak to a rock to bring forth water from it, but instead in anger and impatience with the grumbling people, Moses struck the rock twice with his rod. It was an act of rebellion against God's command and the Lord punished Moses by forbidding him to enter the Promised Land. (Numbers 20:1-13)
Everyone has heard the expression, "The patience of Job." Job suffered extreme loss and hardship. He lost his ten children in one day, as well as all his wealth in the same day. Then his health was affected by painful boils all over his body. His so-called friends accused him of wrong-doing and said he must have sinned terribly and was being punished for his wickedness, Through all of this Job exhibited much patience.
"Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." - James 5:10-11
Jesus was a patient teacher and healer. The heavenly Father is also patient.
"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
2 Peter 3:9
What a loving and awesome God !
"Quite honestly, most people are quick to 'write someone off'. But our God is a God of second chances. Learn from One who is patient with you and you'll learn to be patient with others."
Woodrow Kroll
Here is a 13 minute sermon by Charles Spurgeon about patience. He also touches on gossip at the same time.
Patience can draw us closer to God. Let's face it, when we experience trials and hardships, we are more likely to turn to the Lord in prayer for help and guidance. It also means we need patience to wait on and trust God for an answer and direction. When we wait patiently on the Lord it renews our strength.
There is a worship song by John Waller that tells us what to do while we are waiting on the Lord:
Presently, in America, Christians are not persecuted as much as they are in other countries where they are being martyred. We should use what precious time we have left in winning lost souls by the Holy Spirit. The Rapture could happen at any time and there are still many people who need to be saved. We need to show patience with people, yet at the same time let them know that times are urgent and Jesus will not tarry for very long before He returns. Keep in mind, only the Heavenly Father knows the day and the hour of Christ's return, but the Lord told us what would be the signs of His near return in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21. Many Bible prophecies are being fulfilled at a rapid pace right now, and converging all at once.
Be alert! Be ready !
Be alert! Be ready !
James 5:8 tells us: "Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh."
"But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." - Romans 8:25
