Patience! Patience!

Be Strong, Be Well — Wednesday, January 27, 2021

After reading an article the other day, this sentence got stuck in my head. “Patience is ours when we understand that the results we see are accomplished through a process we don’t see.”

Pause and think about that for a minute. So much of our impatience is due to what we don’t see. We ask God for many things. Sometimes we get quite demanding in our requests or grow in despair when we don’t see these things become a reality. We’ve heard the saying, “I want it, and I want it now!” We may chuckle, but how often do our actions and thinking demonstrate that very thing?

We want the virus to end. We want to throw away these masks. We want to see faces and smiles again, and hear people speaking without the muffle. We want everyone back to work and worship. We want to socialize with our loved ones and friends again. We have been praying and asking for these things for months on end. We have yet to see any of them. Patience!

Remember the passage, Romans 8:28? “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” When will all things work together for good? Patience!

The attribute of patience with God is developed when we understand He doesn’t work on our schedule. He doesn’t bow to our demands. When we think about this, a lack of patience is a lack of faith and trust. After all, He knows exactly what we need, when we need it, how we will receive it, or if we will receive it!

When we trust in God’s promises, we will have patience. When we are patient with God, we will have peace. So much of God’s working is behind the scenes. It’s called providence. We can’t see what He’s doing. We must be patient and trust He is always working so good may prevail, His children will continue to be blessed, and wonderful things are in store for those who remain faithful and patient. —Chris