PATIENCE

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the PATIENCE and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope – Romans 15:4

“…to self-control, PATIENCE…” (2Pet.1:6b kjv). The New King James translates the same word as ‘Perseverance.’ Self-control is being able to “stop” when self is going beyond acceptable boundaries. Life is however not always about trying to caution a descent downhill. It often involves climbing uphill. A person who never pauses to read the road-signs along life’s path, may likely fall into avoidable ditches, dangers, and calamities. That’s why Patience must be added to Self-control.

Patience involves being able to wait peacefully at God’s sanctioned position, for His providence, provision, and promises, and finally be a partaker of His perfection. We read of King Saul who paid a high price for his impatience. Eager for God to bless the Israelites in their battle against the Philistines, he acted impatiently. When Samuel did not arrive at the appointed time to offer a sacrifice for God’s favour, Saul became impatient and disobeyed God’s command (1Sam. 13:8-9,13). Impatience led Saul to take on an unauthorized position of priest. He thought he could disobey God without serious consequences. How wrong! Samuel later arrived, rebuked Saul, and prophesied that he would lose the kingdom (vv.13-14). In his haste he lost his way: “he sins who hastens with his feet” (Pro.19:2). Patience is awaiting God’s time and trusting His Word. The Word of God tells us to:

• “imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Heb.6:12)
• “rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him…” (Psa.37:7a)
• “be patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer” (Rom.12:12)
• “be patient toward all men” (1The.5:14)
• “be patient…unto the coming of the Lord…” (Jam.5:7).

Let’s consider six reasons among others, why Patience must be added to Self-control:

• Patience aids self-control: “In your patience, possess your souls” (Lk.21:19). In other words, “Exercise self-control by patience.” Your soul is possessed, put in check or controlled through patience.

• Patience or perseverance produces character: “we glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Rom.5:3-4).

• Patience is required for fruit-bearing. Seeds do not transform into Fruits overnight. They are actively and painstakingly waited for after the seed (for example, of the Word) has been planted: “But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience” (Lk.8:15).

• Waiting often seems difficult. It can lead to anxiety, worry, and uncertainty: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life” (Pro.13:12). Patience allows us to wait for the sovereign will and timing of God in our lives and circumstances. Habakkuk 2:3 says, “For the vision is for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

• Patience is required to run the Race of Faith that is set before us: “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb.12:1b).

• When patience is exercised and allowed to accomplish its complete work, leads to greater Christian maturity and completeness: “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (Jam.1:4).

May God grant us to “be strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all PATIENCE and longsuffering with joy” (Col.1:11). The world may call it “suffering and smiling”, but God understands, commends, and approves of this. As long as we are suffering for the right cause, glory is assured: “For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer for it, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God” (1Pet.2:20). “But even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you are blessed…” (1Pet.3:14a). The Lord shall perfect all that concerns you, as you wait patiently for Him to bring about His Will in His time!