We have all experienced having to be patient while waiting for something. However, what does it look like to have patience in the waiting for God’s Time. Whether we are waiting for a blessing or we are weathering a storm. We can be assured that God will see us through it. All we have to do is hold fast to His word and wait for His perfect timing.
James 5:7-8
”Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.“
Waiting can often be difficult.
In fact, I’m just gonna go ahead and say it. Whether we admit it or not, no one actually enjoys waiting. It’s rarely easy, it’s rarely pleasurable, it does not come naturally. Our society is so attuned to instant gratification; we can’t stand to sit through a few moments of a commercial. The way we go out to eat and shop is also affected. We do so much online or via our phones, for the express purpose of not having to wait. Sometimes we even know that we are this way. However, we don’t want to admit it because then we’d have to change our behavior. And then our out look on things. So much so that we miss much of the value in the virtue of patience.
Scripture so often prescribes patience, both as an expectation (as a part of the fruit of the Spirit, patience SHOULD be present and seen in the life of a Christian) but also as an advice (this will help you if you do this) not because God wants to be uncomfortable as we wait; but because of the growth that happens and because of the effects patience has on us. First and foremost, waiting takes the focus off us and what we can do and it puts it on that which we are waiting for; (and hopefully that is God).
Instant gratification
We have been taught that if we don’t have what we want now, we just have to do something to get it. This usually involves us thinking only about what we can do by our own strength, abilities, or what we have to offer. When that doesn’t work out we fall into frustration and even more impatience. Contrary to waiting on God’s timing, which from the very beginning causes us to give up control (or the illusion thereof) and look from ourselves and to Him. Too often, we see this as something we ‘have to do’ rather than an opportunity. An opportunity to let go, turn over that burden, to rest, and as Isaiah 40: 31”but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength”
What is Patience?
Patience is both ‘waiting for’ something and ‘enduring through’ something. In fact, in certain translations and instance patience is actually translated as ‘long-suffering’. Though this may indeed mean some temporary discomfort, we must not allow that discomfort to cloud the good work that can (and is) being done through patience. James encourages us to be patient even in the midst of suffering, likening that endurance to a farmer who eagerly awaits his harvest. There is a growth that must take place for that harvest, that reward, to be all that it is intended to be.
Why is God still making us wait?
The ultimate reward, the thing to look forward to above all else, is the day of the Jesus’ return. We can ask, why is God still making us wait? But even in this (often) dark world, there is a good work being done. There is a growth and a preparation for us to enjoy that reward to the fullest.
2 Peter 8-9
”But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.“
Goodbye for now we hope that you will come back next week for another devotional. We hope this brings you closer to God and grows your patience. If you have any questions please leave them in the comments and we will see them! Did you missed last weeks devotional? Follow this link to catch up!
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