One of the character qualities that is consistently highlighted and exalted in Scripture is patience. It is also one of the toughest to develop.
Becoming more patient in nature involves choices. When things don’t happen according to our timetable, when life is not moving forward at the pace we hoped for or expected, when prayers seem to go unanswered or obstacles get in our way, we face decision points. How we choose to think about and respond to these situations will determine our spiritual and emotional state.
A whole lot of life is about waiting. God has programmed waiting periods into creation. Waiting periods allow for gestation processes. They are a part of God’s plan. It is extremely helpful to remember that delays, disappointment and obstacles are to be expected in life. They actually are good for us.
When situations require us to wait, we have a choice. We can wait patiently or impatiently. Either way, whether we like it or not, we are going to wait!
The dictionary defines “patience” as “the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble or suffering without getting angry or upset.” I would suggest that we make a slight but significant adjustment to this definition. Patience is “a choice to accept or tolerate delay, trouble or suffering without getting angry or upset.”
We can make this choice only when we trust God’s timing and plans above our own!
King David encouraged us to value patience and trust in God’s timing and plans:
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him ...” -- Psalm 37:7 (NIV)
Are you waiting on something? Let’s choose to wait patiently!
Pastor Dale
