Some of you may be tired of hearing about patience.
You may be fed up with being told to “Just trust God and be patient” as you wait for your finances to increase, for your marriage to improve, for your church to grow or whatever it may be.
But understanding the importance of patience is vital.
We spend so much of our Christian walk waiting on the Lord, whether it is waiting for healing, waiting for provision or waiting for the guidance of His Holy Spirit.
In one way or another, waiting is part of the equation. Therefore, you must learn how to wait and how to do so patiently.
What Does Patience Look Like?
Living in a world where we can get most things quickly and easily, at the press of a button or the ring of a cell phone, patience has become a rare thing.
Many of us are more accustomed to impatient waiting.
The brow furrowed, foot tapping, eyes glancing at the watch the entire time, type of waiting. But that is not the sort of waiting we are urged to do as Christians.
In the Bible, we are admonished to wait patiently on the Lord. (Psalm 37:7)
But what does patience even look like?
How do you know whether you have it or not?
Well, the key way of knowing whether you are waiting patiently or not, is if you are at peace.
There is Peace in Patience
If you are truly waiting patiently for the Lord, you will be at peace. There will be quietness in your mind and soul. (Psalm 131:2) You will not be concerned about anything because you trust God and are confident He will out all things for you.
If you are impatient the opposite will be true.
You will be anxious, worried, stressed or fearful. Your mind will constantly be wondering, going over potential outcomes and “What ifs.” You may even become physically unwell because of this or try to force things to happen quickly.
So as you can see, there is a clear difference between impatience and patience. As a Christian, you should be cultivating the latter. But why?
Why should you pursue patience?
Why does it matter whether or not you are waiting patiently or impatiently, you’re still waiting aren’t you?
Well, the Bible tells us it is important to be patient because patient people are rewarded.
Patient People are Rewarded
…to those who by patience in well-doing seek glory for glory, honor, immortality, he will give eternal life
(Romans 2:7 ESV)
As this verse informs, God rewards those who patiently continue doing good with glory, honour, immortality and ultimately, eternal life.
Consistently practicing godly habits, such as prayer, reading the Bible and meditating on God’s Word is one way of patiently doing good.
Another way to continue doing good is by remaining faithful in the things that God has given you charge over.
As you wait for the next step in your life, patiently continue to go about God’s business as far as He has revealed it to you.
If that’s leading Bible studies, studying in university, looking after a family member, do it with all your heart. (Colossians 3:23) For it is the one who is faithful in the least who is given much. (Matthew 25:23)
Patient People Bear Fruit
As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
(Luke 8:15 ESV)
Another important reason to pursue patience is because patient people bear fruit, and good fruit at that.
What would happen to trees that became impatient and attempted to bear fruit out of season? Their fruit would quickly become rotten and they would be of no nutritional value to anyone. The same goes for you.
If you grow impatient in trying to build your ministry, start your career or rush into marriage the fruit you bear will not be good. You will be of no real help to anyone and you are also likely to overextend yourself emotionally, physically and spiritually.
But if you desire to bear good fruit, that will truly be a blessing to you and those around you, you must be patient. Wait on God. Trust in His strength and ability to bring in the harvest, at the right time.
God Can Works Well With Patient People
In the book of Samuel, after he was proclaimed king, Saul was instructed by Samuel the prophet to go to Gilgal and wait seven days for him. After his arrival, Samuel would then make offering and sacrifices to God and show Saul what to do. (1 Samuel 10:8)
But when the Philistines attacked Israel, Saul was put in a difficult situation. (1 Samuel 13:4-5) He was surrounded by the enemy, most of his army was hiding in fear and Samuel was delaying. So Saul acted rashly and took it upon himself to make offerings to God. (1 Samuel 13:5-9)
The result was detrimental.
As a result of his actions, the kingdom was taken away from Saul and given to another. (1 Samuel 13:13-14)
The consequences of Saul’s actions, done out of desperation and impatience, reveal the importance of being patient when walking with the Lord.
God works well with patience people.
If Saul had simply been patient enough to wait on God, things would have turned out differently. We would have been referring to him as one of Israel’s greatest kings today, but that is not so.
In the end Saul’s impatience led God to demote him because he was ultimately not trustworthy, faithful or obedient. (1 Samuel 15:22-23)
Patience is Important
So as you can see, patience is important.
As a Christian, if you desire to succeed in your walk with God, you must be patience. It is a prerequisite to receiving everything in your life, from rewards to good fruit to promotion and eternal life.
It is true that for many, pursuing patience may be easier said than done. Pursing patience requires perseverance and endurance. But nothing is impossible for those who believe. (Mark 9:23)
So, instead of despairing over your lack of patience, go to God in prayer. Ask Him to help you surrender to His will and help you let go of your stubborn desire to be in control. Pray and ask Him to help you trust in Him and wait patiently on His Word and perfect timing in all things. In Jesus Christ name we pray, amen.
