Patience… A Godly Virtue!

Patience is defined as the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. Your gift of Biblical patience means that you wait upon the Lord, knowing and trusting His timing. You understand His ways are higher than yours. What an honorable gift!

What does God say about patience?…

• “Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus…” –Romans 15:5
• “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret—it only causes harm. For evildoers shall be cut off; but those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.”─Psalm 37:7-9

Because of the Lord’s own patience with us, we can be patient with others. The gift of patience is a true reflection of God’s own character. In our world today we are bombarded with instant gratification and fast results. It gets harder and harder to wait patiently. It seems more evident than ever that our timing is not His. This gift has been given to you to show others God’s perfect patience with us as we seek Him.

Patience is not….

While patience today gives the image of waiting passively for something to happen, patience in the Bible is active and progressive. Patience accompanies endurance, steadfastness, and humility. It takes mighty power to exercise these characteristics. These are strong and powerful attributes!

Patience is also something that does not happen instantly. God will provide ways to grow and strengthen this magnificent gift. Often using time to humble us and recognize His power and sovereignty.

Be encouraged…

Rest assured that when you pray for patience, God will strengthen this gift in you. It may not always be easy to wait upon the Lord, but with this gift, you know that you can only do it in His strength. Therefore, pray for Him to grant you a calm and peaceful heart as He walks you through any storm. Psalm 37 is also a reminder of your reward for patience… that you will inherit the earth! What a glorious blessing!

Prayer…

We want to pray for you! We pray that this Godly Strength is refined in you. That God uses this gift to further His Kingdom, and that your faith continues to grow because of your steadfast waiting. We will pray that God will grant you the endurance to accept and tolerate situations, and have trust that God will change things in His time. Surrender your will to His through patience… and be blessed!