Do We REALLY want Patience


When I became a believer in Jesus as my Savior, I was jokingly told, “don’t ever pray for patience”.  I think most all of us have heard or said that.  The truth is, we don’t have to be afraid that God will give us MORE situations needing patience.  I think we all have an abundance of daily living events that cause us to yearn for more patience. 

If we are married, our husbands try our patience at times.  If we have children (of any age) we REALLY need to exercise patience.  Our jobs, our parents, our friends and acquaintances.  The person in front of us at the grocery store.  The examples seem endless.  Or is this just me?

The dictionary defines patience as the “capacity of calm endurance, tolerant and even tempered, perseverance”.
Strong’s definition is makrothumis #3115.  From makros “long” and thumos “temper”.  The word denotes lenience, forbearance, fortitude, patient endurance, long-suffering. - Also the ability to endure persecution and ill treatment.  Patience is a fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22,23 AMP: “But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such things there is no law.”
According to this version, patience is NOT the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting.  That is kind of the bottom line isn’t it?  Just the example of waiting behind that slow person in the grocery checkout.  The one with 50 coupons, or trying to find exact change.  What does my non-verbal communication say about me?

When it comes to our spiritual life, Romans 15:4 NLT “Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us.  And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.”

In regards to our current world situation, there is a lot of patience needed.  We waited for Phase 2, now we are waiting for Phase 3 & 4.  Waiting to return to church, to see friends.  Patient endurance has definitely been our daily companion, but are we always calm – NOT!  At least not me.  I have frequently been impatient.  James 1:2,3 NKJV “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”  Are we ever able to count this current trial as joy?  Do we believe this testing of not only our faith, but also who we are as people and believers in the word of God will produce patience – or does it become more of a burden every day?

Let’s try to exemplify James 5:8 AMP “You too, be patient; strengthen your hearts [keep them energized and firmly committed to God], because the coming of the Lord is near”
Revelation 2:3a AMP “and [I know that] you [who believe] are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My names’ sake…

Let’s not grow weary waiting for a return to life, as we knew it before.  In reality it is possible it won’t be like before for a long time, if ever.  Let’s “wait patiently” and see what new reality the Lord has in mind for us

 Colossians 1:11 AMP  “[I pray that you may be] 
strengthened and invigorated with all
power, according to His glorious might to 
attain every kind of endurance and patience with joy;”
                              
Be Well, Be Safe
️   ️❤️ Sharon Charvet
Women's Ministry Leader
Foothills Foursquare Church
https://foothills4square.com
email: womens.foothills4sq@gmail.com
Monroe, Washington                         

                                                    

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