Power of Patience
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (NASV) Colossians 3:12
The insatiable nature of man keeps demanding more of everything we need and want in this life. We are often not content with what we are privileged to have. The quest to get many things over a short time put so much pressure on us and causes us to make hasty decisions, become stressed, worried and anxious about life. Consequently, anger develops in us, and we usually unleash it on God or people we expect to provide certain necessities of life. Brothers and sisters, we can overcome this if we learn the power of patience.
Patience in this modern world is very hard to find. By definition, patience is the quality that does not surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial; it is the opposite of despondency and is always associated with hope. It means waiting and not getting upset while you are waiting. In other words, the ability to go through trials and troubles without complaining or looking for shortcuts is patience.
As Christians, we can easily become impatient when our prayers are not answered quickly, but the Bible encourages us to find strength in waiting on the Lord. The troubles, delays, and disappointments in life are ways we can learn and develop patience. Although the world may see patience as a humiliating attitude, as Christians, it defines our strength and trust in the Lord (Isaiah 40:31). Impatience, on the other hand, gets us in trouble and delays our blessings. Satan uses this tool to defeat the children of God. For example, Moses’ impatience denied him the chance to enter the promised land (Deut. 32:51–52). Peter’s impatience almost made him a murderer (John 18:10).
Let us choose patience during trials and tribulations for it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit in us (Gal. 5:22). The work of patience will perfect us by polishing and removing the rough unrighteous edges in our lives (James 1:2-4). It will make us real candidates for God; Christians need patience and endurance to wait on the return of our Lord.
Beloved, the troubles and competitions in life are inevitable. Do not lose hope because things are not working for you now. Your blessings will come at God’s appointed time, so be patient. Keep working and waiting on the good LORD. Amen!