No one likes to wait or be patient, especially in today’s society where technology, science, and development have made most things faster and more sufficient. Patience implies the passing of time and no quick fix. Some biblical translations use the term long-suffering.
None of us wants to suffer. None of us wants pain, unchanged circumstances, or prolonged difficulties. We want the miracle, the blessing, and the sudden change for the better. We can be so focused on the end result, the prize, or the reward, that we miss the essence of the journey and the now. Do we truly understand the value of patience for believers?
Patience is a virtue, as the proverb states. In the biblical sense, it is essential for our walk with God. Patience is important in difficult times. We all face trials, and that is when our faith is tested. James writes that tested faith leads to patience. In other words, because we have faith in Jesus Christ or put our trust in Him, we can trust His ways and means. His ways and time may be different from ours. Therefore, patience is required to keep our faith strong in Him.
“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
James 1:3-4 KJV
Times of waiting, patience, and endurance may seem like a time when nothing changes. But patience works for us! It works within us all the time if we allow it. Patience does PERFECT work when we wait well. We are perfected or completed in maturity because that is the perfect work patience does. It does not change our circumstances but matures us. It produces a type of character that lacks nothing. That is an amazing promise!
Patience is an attitude of the heart. It is defined in the Amplified Bible as the power to endure any negative circumstances with a good or positive attitude. Having a good attitude when we do not yet witness change gives power for the perfect work of patience.
“So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper];”
Colossians 3:12 AMP
“May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness and patience of Christ.”
2 Thessalonians 3:5 AMP
“But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”
Galatians 5:22 AMP
When we do not feel as if we can wait with a good attitude, the Holy Spirit is always there to help us. God promises to produce patience within us as fruit. It becomes part of our nature.
In the end, we will reap all God promised. Patience always leads to the reward or promise fulfilled because our hope and trust is in Him.
“For you have need of patient endurance [to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromising], so that when you have carried out the will of God, you may receive and enjoy to the full what is promised.”
Hebrews 10:36 AMP
“Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
James 1:12 AMP
We can have patience because we are not waiting or trusting in fickle, earthly entities. Our trust and patience are in the Lord of Lords, Who keeps His word, is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, and Who works all things for good for those who love Him.
So when you feel like giving up, struggling to have a good attitude while waiting, remember that patience is always working for you. Patience is not doing just any work, but a perfect work. Things are moving, changing, and growing as you patiently wait on God. At God’s appointed time you will see God’s promise fulfilled with a glorious work completed inside of you.
Stay resolute my friend.
Talita
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RESOLUTE WOMAN 