Patience is hard to come by these days. Stand in line at the grocery store or wait in traffic and see how patient you are. We are always thinking, “Why do I have to wait?” We have become so trained to have what we want NOW!
We have to remember that patience is essential for our faith and living. “Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and late rains (James 5:7).” One of the first things you notice about this verse is that the farmer’s precious crop is dependent on factors beyond his control – actually in God’s hands – the rains. Likewise in our lives, the most precious things have the Lord’s fingerprints all over them and take time.
Building the character of our children takes prayer, discipline and purpose every day for years. Marriages take years to become strong. They begin like small trees and over time through Christ can soar and become solid. My wife Jenny and I have been married for fourteen years, and she has demonstrated great patience waiting for me to catch up to her and I am getting there. But seriously, a relationship with Christ takes years of studying the Word, and prayer, experience and fellowship to become a mature faith. Careers are not built with one job; they can take a lifetime. Authentic relationships take time to grow too.
From the other side, what about those times when we were not patient? When we rush into things or don’t wait for the divine green light. How often has God said of us, “If you had just waited a little longer.” Often we have the best intentions, but just can’t wait and the consequences range from humorous to dangerous.
But I think about the precious things in my life: my faith in Christ, Jenny, children, family and friends and ministry, and I see how God has worked over time – and I see my patience and impatience throughout it all. But in the end the patience was worth it and it makes me hopeful and patient. Patience makes more patience. I know that Christ is already growing the seeds of my dreams.
I invite you to think about the precious things in your life and the patience they require.
“In the bulb there is a flower; In the seed an apple tree; In cocoons, a hidden promise: Butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter, There’s a spring that waits to be, Unrevealed until its season, Something alone God can see.” These words from the “Hymn of Promise” remind us that the “how” of life is up to God; our part is the patience and trust.
Amen.
Discussion Questions
1. What are the things that make you most impatient? Why do you think this is?
2. Think of some things that help with patience…(Hints: Prayer, reflecting on God’s timing and work (Romans 8:28)
3. Think of times when patience paid off…how did it happen?
Wow… that was great!!! i really never thought about it that way before… i like your last paragraph!!! 🙂 thank you christopherbwolf! you have given me a new outlook on life, love and patience as a whole!!!
lots of christian love,
Lacy