Are You – Patient Or Not?
Once I asked a group of people how many wanted more patience in their life. Only a couple of those present raised their hands. I was surprised with their reaction, but then they reminded me of the Scripture that says that tribulation produces patience. And since no one wanted to go through more tribulation, patience was not high on their want list.
We may laugh about this, but patience is a condition to receiving many of the promises of God. In fact, it is through faith and patience that one inherits the promises, (Heb. 6.12). Patience implies that there is a waiting period before one comes to the desired end. Patience can also be translated as endurance or longsuffering. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit of God. God is Patient…so much so that He continues to wait on man to repent. He continues to hold back judgment, just so that more people can come into His salvation.
James says to be patient until the coming of the Lord. How long can you wait? He compares the development of patience to a farmer waiting for the precious fruit of the earth. The farmers wait is not inactivity. My grandfather and uncle were farmers and they never had an inactive day. There was always something to do. They watered the crops, weeded and prepared the soil to ensure a harvest. Patience is a process in which we are being transformed and growing into the stature of Christ.
Patience brings us to the end of our natural strength and ability. It brings us to a place of brokenness. Abraham waited until he was 100 years old and Sara was 90 years old and sterile. They were unable to produce a child on their own. They did not waver in their faith during this process of waiting and thus received what was promised. Maybe this is why a patient must be in the waiting room before they see the doctor. J
Patience points us in the direction of the goal. Jesus, for the hope set before Him, endured the cross. A woman goes through the adjustments and discomforts of pregnancy because of her desire to have a child. A farmer works hard cultivating his field to get a desired harvest. The athlete disciplines his body to win the prize. It is not what you are going through, but what you are going to, that matters.
The tribulations, or tests, are to be passed. Don’t complain that you are going through a trial, but concentrate on how you are going through it. James exhorts us to not turn on one another by blaming or grumbling. Don’t compare your life with others and succumb to self-pity, but let the affliction you are experiencing work for you. His grace is sufficient for you. His power is made perfect in weakness. So man-up! Don´t be overcome, but get under grace. It may be Friday, but Sunday is on its way. Don’t give up now. Let patience have its perfect work, pass the test, and you will become more than what you are.
Scriptures to meditate on:
James 5.7-12; 1.12; Romans 2.6-8; 5.3-5; 12.12; Heb. 6.12; 12.2; Gal. 5.22; II Cor. 12.9