Grace and peace in the mighty name of Jesus to you today. In today’s world so much emphasis is put on the here and right now. We want everything that we desire to have as fast as we can get it. Yet, when it comes to the Word of God and what God has for us this can be a liability if we do not wait on God. Let us take a look at what the Bible has to say concerning patience. Here in Luke 21:19 it states, “In your patience ye possess your souls.“
What this is telling us is that the very salvation of our soul depends on our patience. So, if we are to attain this salvation then patience becomes a most valuable commodity that we must acquire. This patience is not just for ourselves; but it is for all people we encounter as it is stated in 1 Thess. 5:14. ” Be patient toward all men.”
Let us take a look at the contrast that is drawn between the patient and the hasty in spirit.
The Bible tells us that “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly”… Proverbs 14: 20. Not only does patience give you understanding, but without it serious mistakes and foolishness can occur.
Patience Contentment and Waiting on God
With this patience we must also have contentment. A content mind sees something good in everything. If we cannot get what we like we should try to like what we have or get. When we are content we are satisfied and we have an ease of mind. A lot of the things that we desire for ourselves may not be according to the Will of God for us. We must understand that what God has for us is exceedingly better than what we want for ourselves. Let us look at what one of the apostles has to say about gain.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” 1Tim.6:6-7.
Listen, our minds must become the peaceful retreat wherein we are content.
Some of the things that we pray for or even have others to touch and agree on may not be according to the Will of God for us. Because God is omnipotent and sees all things past, present and future, God knows that the things that we are asking for, that we may think we need, may not be to our good in the future. Just as those of us who are parents who have (young) children that have asked for things that were not for their good at the present time; they did not have the maturity to handle those things even though they were good.
Praise God for his wisdom and guidance for us. Let us take a look at how God exhorts us to be content. In Hebrews 13:5 it tells us, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: For He hath said I would never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” If we know that God will never leave us or forsake us we should live our lives understanding his constant care is ever present and we should live not in careful suspense.
In Matthew 6:31-32 it states, “Therefore take no thought saying, What shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or wherewithal shall we be clothed? (for all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”
In the Bible, Christ gave us many illustrations teaching about contentment. Let us take a look at the Luke 12:24-28 where it reads,
“Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse or barn; and God feedeth them: how much are ye better than the fowls? And which of you taking thought can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
Consider the lilies how they grow; they toil not, they spin not, and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If God so clothe the grass, which today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?”
God holds the future in his hands and his love will always plan the best for us. Why then should we ever shrink or fear? No matter how dark or cloudy it may get God will always keep us, guide us, and show us the way.
Patience Contentment and Waiting on God
Readers, as we walk through this valley of the shadow of death we will be tried; however we must endure while our faith is being tried. What does the trying of our faith work? James 1:3 it states, “Knowing this that the trial of your faith worketh patience; verse 4, “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” The Bible also tells us that tribulation worketh patience. In Romans 5:3 it states, “Knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience. James 1:3 states, “Not only so, but with glory in tribulations also: Knowing that tribulation worketh patience.”
In 2nd Peter the first chapter, we are exhorted to add spiritual fruits in an orderly fashion. We are told to add to our temperance, our self-control, and patience.” Add to temperance patience.” 2 Peter 1:6. Note that patience naturally follows temperance. Emphasis is being placed on the importance of right living, and of gaining control over the appetites of our passions.
In conclusion, the Bible tells us and exhorts us just how to run this Christian race. “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2. In Revelations 14:12 we see one of the major characteristics of the latter-day church, “Here is the patience of the saints: Here are they that keep the Commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”
Patience Contentment and Waiting on God
When the Lord Jesus returns, here is what his people will say, Isaiah 25:9, “And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us: this is The Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” Readers I exhort you all to wait I say on the Lord.
May God Bless you all in the Mighty Name of Jesus Amen.
