Patience

Patience, what does that mean?  Patience is the state of endurance under difficult circumstances, which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without acting on annoyance/anger in a negative way; or exhibiting forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties.  Patience is the level of endurance one's character can take before negativity.  It is also used to refer to the character trait of being steadfast.  I have also heard that patience means long suffering.

Who has time for patience?  That seems to be the theme for most of us in a busy life.  I know I struggle with patience all the time.  I want things and I do not like to wait.  We live in a world that gives us things without waiting.  How about fast food, now there’s an example where we get things quickly.  I know some restaurants that desire to serve the customer in less than 2 minutes.  But do we suffer the taste and quality for faster service?

What does the Bible teach us about patience?  Proverbs 19:11 states: A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.  Also in Proverbs 25:15: Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

I know some folks who an abundance of patience and I think how can they suffer that long or how can they wait that long?  These people are why patience is a virtue.  How about farmers?  They can’t plant their crops and expect them to grow for harvest in a hurry.  They are patient people.

I am reminded of a song that Alabama recorded back in 1992 titled I'm in a Hurry (And Don't Know Why).  I can relate to that song more than having patience.  Especially when I am driving on I-95!  I cannot tolerate drivers that do not pay attention to their driving.  Just ask anyone who has ridden with me!

Patience is one of those things… so hard to learn it… so hard to practice it faithfully in our daily walk.  It’s one of those things I truly wish we didn’t have to learn — but God requires it of us!  He wants us to be patient, because He is patient with us.

2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

We think we can just do as we please and then go running to God for a few minutes of prayer and get an answer right away.  Do we really believe it is that simple?

Proverbs 14:29: Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.

I struggle with patience everyday and I pray that God will continue to be patient with me.  One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Psalm 37:7: Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;…  I try to remember that verse whenever I get in a hurry and I need God to provide me with His advice.

I also heard that when you pray for patience, God gives you teenagers!