The Power of Righteousness:
Growing in Patience

"For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."    Hebrews 10:36

A husband and wife had to deal with trouble in their home – Genesis 16:1-6; an eldest son gave up his inheritance - Genesis 25:28-33; a disciple cut off a man's ear – Matthew 26:50-52; and, a Jewish son wound up on the verge of eating pig's slop – Luke 15:11-16. What do all of these incidents have in common? The problems these individuals faced were all the result of a lack of patience. Have you ever suffered because of your own impatience? The struggle with patience is one most of us are all too familiar with…especially in today's society. However, if we want to experience the presence and power of the Lord and be in a right-standing relationship with God and others, we must always be growing in patience and not being overcome by impatience.

It is no coincidence that Peter lists patience after temperance in his discourse on the traits of a growing Christian in 2 Peter 1:5-8. The ability to endure, accept or tolerate hardship, inconvenience and suffering without complaining, wrath or remedy, which is what Biblical patience is, is definitely a result of temperance…a believer having his or her emotions, passions and lusts under the authority of the Spirit. If you are not able to get and keep your emotions in check, you will always struggle with patience. However, the more you grow in patience and demonstrate this virtue when temptations and challenges arise, the more you can experience the glory of God in your life.

When a Christian exhibits patience, he or she is demonstrating that their faith, trust and hope is in the Lord and, as a result, they are able to wait expectantly on Him to provide, protect and keep them in every situation. So this assurance in the power and promises of God allows the growing Christian to chill in the midst of heated situations. If impatience is a problem that you struggle with, you need to connect with the Source of patience – God (Romans 15:5). He, through His Holy Spirit and the Word, will keep you in "perfect peace" (Isaiah 26:3). Whether it's when traffic is at a standstill, things are not happening as you would like them to in your life or the doctor gives you some negative news about your health, when you are "walking in the Spirit", God will give you the power to persevere through it all.

Don't let impatience cause you to lose your blessings and mess up your relationship with God and others. Ask God to help you to grow in patience and learn how to respond spiritually to the people and things that try your patience. Since it is a reflection of the character of God, patience is always rewarded by God (Psalm 37:7-9; Isaiah 40:31; Galatians 6:9; James 5:7-8); and, if you ever need an example, reminder or source of motivation, just remember Jesus (Isaiah 53:7; Hebrews 12:1-3).