Be Patient
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. ~James 5:7-8
I once read of someone who prayed, “Dear God, help me to have patience…and do it quick!” There are many things we encounter that require patience. We must have patience when we are in traffic that does not seem to be going anywhere. We must have patience when we wait in long lines or are in a doctor’s office filled with many patients. We must have patience when we try to repair things that are broken. This morning, we want to consider James' admonition about being patient.
We must be patient concerning the promises.
James spoke about the coming of the Lord drawing nigh. We are not given a specific time and day of the Lord’s coming. His coming will be like a thief in the night. However, we know that Jesus is coming! We must be patient when it comes to the promises of God. His promises are true and real. However, there are times when God wants us to experience them according to His timeline for us. We sometimes think that God is not working fast enough for us, but He is always on time.
We must be patient concerning our problems.
When God allows problems into our life, they might just be for the purpose of teaching us patience. James said that "the trying of your faith worketh patience." Problems teach us to wait on God. Problems teach us to pray more earnestly, to pray much longer, and to be in submission to God’s timeline. Problems help our faith to increase, but always through waiting. Problems remind us that God is never in a hurry. Developing patience during our problems helps us to learn that God must be in control, and not us. Waiting for that pathology report or that adverse answer can try our patience, but it is what God places in our life to develop us.
We must be patient concerning people.
All of us have people in our life who test our patience. Sometimes, it might be a rebellious person. Sometimes, it might be a stubborn person. Other times, it might be a difficult person. Still other times, it might be someone who needs time to catch up with us. God uses difficult people to grow us in patience. It could be someone who refuses to forgive and reconcile and would rather hold a grudge against you. It could be someone who is argumentative and enjoys tormenting you. Regardless, God uses people to develop us in our patience.
Are you an impatient person? Is your tolerance level very low? Do you erupt in anger, frustration, and impatience when things don’t work out? Then, the admonition of James for us to be patient is timely. Let go of the self will, and latch onto the power of the Lord to help you be patient. Abide in God’s protective grace to sustain and strengthen you. Then, watch as you discover how you are more patient about the difficulties that you face. Don’t be someone who folds up: have faith in God, and be patient!
Have a patience-filled God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Jeremiah 18-22