PATIENCE

And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. (Hebrews 6:15 ESV)

The Scriptures tell us that patience is a fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22 ESV) Paul writes that patience is a quality that we should put on. (Colossians 3:12 ESV) Patience is an important characteristic of the Christian life. It requires submission to God’s Word and Will. We are like clay and He is our Potter. We are the work of His hands. (Isaiah 64:8 ESV) Impatience opposes God’s work in us. Our obsession with getting results quickly – often leads us to take shortcuts that actually inhibit spiritual growth.  On the other hand, godly patience encourages spiritual growth as we wait for the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Patience requires trust in God and self-discipline. Left to our own strength and will, human patience will evaporate like the morning mist in the rising sun. Consider the patience of Jesus with His disciples. Many times the Scriptures portray them as men who just don’t seem to get it. However, we also see the most intelligent man in existence patiently instructing these very ordinary men in the truth of the gospel.

Patience springs from absolute confidence in God’s providential care. The LORD of heaven sustains this world and our lives. (Acts 17:28 ESV) There are no wild atoms and molecules beyond His control. Therefore, a lack of patience is impatience with God.

Many are the troubles of life that try our patience in the furnace of doubt. Sometimes we must wait for needs to be met, promises to be fulfilled, and comfort when we are hurting. We are also commanded by God to exhibit the Christian virtue of patience when our lives seem to be overcome by misfortunes. In fact, genuine and sincere patience is a valid measure of the authenticity of our faith.