Passionate about Patience

I wonder how long I need to be patient about learning patience? In terms of challenges and disappointments, the past few years have been as difficult as any season of my life. But God, in his goodness, has been faithful to strengthen my faith and deepen my knowledge of Him even in times of trial— no, especially in times of trial.

So, it is in this season of difficulty that I am—by God’s grace—growing more patient. These are some of the things He is teaching me:
Patience comes through trials. James 1:2-4 tells us to, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance (perseverance). And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Through our trials we are sanctified, becoming more like Christ. There is joy in that! God uses life’s challenges to refine us, producing patience as we wait upon the Lord.

Patience sees God’s perfect timing in all things.  Do you believe the Lord works all things for His purposes, and in His perfect time?
Ecclesiastes 3 talks about how there is a season and time for everything:

·                     A time to seek: There are times when we eagerly build and gather.

·                     A time to lose: In our earthly experience, nothing lasts forever. I think there is a time when God has taught us all He intends to in good times. At this time a period of famine and testing may be required.

·                     A time to keep: There are times when we need to hang on, to get everything we can out of a situation; to make the best of it. Times to do all we can to work through challenges.

·                     A time to cast away: Then there are times when we just need to let go, to quit trying to hang on to what WAS. This is the time to cut losses and move on, trusting God to provide, to restore, or to re-establish.  

A time of difficulty is a time for patience. For waiting upon the Lord. I still need to be busy, and diligent in my efforts, and I still need to seek godly, wise solutions. But peace comes from patiently waiting and trusting in God’s perfect timing.

Patience sees God’s hand in everything.  Nothing is outside of God’s power and control. Not even evil.  Psalm 37:7 says, “Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.” We can be confident that God has not forsaken us. He is greater and higher than any earthly power.

I believe God brings us through trials in His time, not ours. But He does bring us through. Psalm 40 tells us, “I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many will see and fear and will trust in the LORD.”

Are you learning to be patient about learning patience? What is God teaching you?

Lord, I know I should thank You for teaching me patience, rather than praying to You to get me through difficult times. If there is something You are trying to teach me while I am waiting, then please help me to learn. Yes, hasten my understanding because I want to get on to the blessings that WILL come in your perfect timing. And, as I picture You sighing or shaking Your head at my impatient request for patience, I truly thank You for Your steadfast love that never ceases. I pray through Christ, who lived as a man, learning patience through trials and disappointment, just as I must do.

Lynn Anne Hughes