God’s firm “No” or “Yes” is one thing, but when He says, “Wait”, I want to protest. “PLEASE don’t ask me to wait! That’s too hard…” Patience, one of the Spirit’s fruit is, sadly, lacking in me.
James 1:3, 4 “…the trying of your faith works patience. But LET patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
Yikes! I have to LET patience work in my life. That’s on me! Patience is an ongoing work – a long distance race, not a sprint.
Patience, from the Greek, means “forbearance”. The picture is of restraint and endurance in the face of provocation. My Dad had to practice patience as I struggled with Algebra. He excelled. I was a dullard. I’m sure frustration and irritation were present. I felt the tension. But his patience helped a slow learner, struggling to understand.
I wonder if I show that forbearance to a young believer, taking “baby steps” of faith. Patience is waiting…with grace. No complaining, no fuming, no stinky attitude, but implementing the grace that comes from God, alone.
The Hebrew word for patience is “savlanut”, meaning “long breath.” Ecclesiastes 7:8 “…the patient in spirit (long breath) is better than the proud in spirit (willful).” Patiently waiting is not the picture of a hospital waiting room. It’s Noah building an ark!
Patience is not just standing still. It’s waiting. It’s an action, continuing our journey, doing our service to Him and perfecting our faith. Sometimes we have to wait and wait again.
Psalm 40:1, “Waiting, I waited on the Lord.” The action is repeated twice. It’s called an infinite absolute and is found ONLY in Hebrew. Aren’t we grateful for God’s patient waiting with us?
By: Vickie Richey
~ Christ Fellowship