What does it mean to have patience? Most of us would quickly admit this is an area in which we need to grow in relating with others. But, how about being patient with circumstances? And being patient with ourselves?
Circumstances can change quickly and drastically. Sometimes we know ahead of time that we may need to prepare for a difficult time, and at other times we are suddenly presented with unexpected conditions. How do we react to these times? If we are honest, many of us would agree that discouragement can present itself. Especially if a difficult or unwanted time in our life persists.
Think of a child that seemingly was following Christ and decided ‘religion’ was not for them and after years of prayer, no change is noticed; or an illness that decides to last much longer than expected and now has no end in sight. Perhaps the need of a decent job to provide for the family has still not presented itself, or years go by and you find yourself waiting upon that ‘future mate’ you were hoping to have met by now. Are we able to be patient with these circumstances?
Let’s look at the word patience. WordWeb defines patience as having a good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence (relating to circumstances and others, respectively). The Bible, in Hebrews 10:36 defines patience as endurance. The word actually means cheerful or hopeful endurance and has constancy and continued waiting in its meaning. This is more than just an attitude of, ‘okay, I’ll get through this if I have too’, it is an expectant positive outcome that God has a plan and it is good and the end result will be for His praise. This type of patience through circumstances is filled with hope.
Hebrews 10:36 says, “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised”.
According to scripture we need patience! Not a shocker, but certainly a reminder. Patience or endurance is necessary, it is required, in fact it is demanded as we walk in a manner that is pleasing to God. The attitude of our patience is hope and the condition of our hope is doing the will of God. We can’t miss this important stipulation. It is easier to have patience or show endurance when it looks as though things will turn out the way we expect. But, do we always know what the best outcome is? I like to think I do but the reality is, often the outcome I have thought would be good is not what God has planned or allowed. What then happens to my patience? The idea of doing the will of God is ongoing. In others words, it is continuing to do what He has required in the journey and work He has set before me with a determination and choice that desires to please Him – in all circumstances.
With any and every circumstance, we are given a charge to learn and practice and grow in patience. We have assurance from God that we will receive His promises to us. Moving on to my second thought, perhaps having patience with oneself is an abstract thought to some, but I notice I am able to be much more patient with others than I am with myself. I am really hard on myself when I don’t meet the expectations I have set.
There is a truth in Psalm 139:14 which tells me “I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knows it very well”. I am to thank God and praise Him for how He has made me! I have been set apart as God’s possession. I don’t stop to think about this often enough. In fact, I can forget this quiet easily if I allow myself to listen to a world that is based on comparison and performance. I am challenged to be certain that I act in a manner which displays the security my soul knows in Christ. The truth is, God made me. He doesn’t make mistakes, and He made me to be with Him. If you have embraced Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you understand how much He loves you! His children are the object of His love. The Treasury of David poses this question, “Who can gaze even upon a model of our anatomy without wonder and awe? Who could dissect a portion of the human frame without marveling at its delicacy, and trembling at its frailty?” What does God expect of me? Micah 6:8 says, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Recall the words written above in Hebrews 10:36 – ‘when you have done the will of God’. Is impatience with myself based on my lack of seeking to follow God? If my answer is yes, then I need to revisit His love and sacrifice for me and my response to Him. If my answer is no, then perhaps a bit more patience as I grow in my understanding and walk with God, can be exercised. Not an excuse for sin or misjudgment but also not a surprise when I mess up. If I am stopped in my tracks because I have erred then I am no longer an effective witness for Christ. I have been forgiven for sin past, present and future. This is not a license to sin but it is a reminder that Jesus chose to atone for my sin. I can confess with a sincere heart and continue to seek His righteousness. Until I reach the promise of a future in heaven and removal from the sin-nature I have, I will mess up – hopefully less and less as I mature in faith. I will not always reach my own expectation and certainly should not set myself up against the comparison and performance of the world.
I desire to exercise constant, hopeful endurance as I continue to practice patience with others, with circumstances and with myself. I pray you are there right along with me. Focus Heavenward, Sharyn.
