By David Short
Lord give me patience, and please give it to me now! Be careful what you ask for, God may give it to you. In order to have patience ours will definitely be tested. Helen Keller once said “We could never be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.” Every one of us faces challenges on a continual basis, and will go through some form of difficulty that will test our patience. Patience is simply the state of endurance under difficult circumstances and keeping ourselves in control.
Jesus gives us the greatest example of patience. Paul, with whom God was immensely patient, realized it when he wrote: “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen” (I Timothy 1:15-17) NIV. What a great responsibility we have to emulate Jesus in our lives and have patience in every situation.
Whether it is waiting on God to direct us in a certain situation; or waiting on an answer to a prayer; or even waiting on someone to make a move toward God, we constantly are in need of patience. The Bible tells us that patience (long- suffering) is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Is your Holy Ghost producing patience for you today?
Our family recently experienced a “patience test”. My wife is an elementary school teacher and was seeking employment at a different school for the coming year. Many factors went into the decision, and we felt it was imperative that she find another teaching position. After many weeks of seeking God’s guidance, and responding to numerous interviews, all opportunities seemed to be exhausted. All of the schools chose other applicants. She was forced to commit to the school she was wanting to get away from and resolved to give it her best. A day or two later, another school called and wanted to hire her. However, the location and other circumstances caused uncertainty as to what to do. She decided to go to the church and talk to God about it. On the way she received a call from the school that she originally wanted to work for, and the school she preferred. While talking to the principal on the phone, she passed another church in town that had posted on their sign, “Patience is trusting in God’s timing.” She is now scheduled to start next year at her chosen school, and her chosen grade.
What a mighty God we serve! What a blessing it is to serve a God who cares about us and the desires of our heart. Let me encourage you to trust Him and allow the Holy Ghost to lead you into a life full of patience. No, not everything is going to go as we want. We may have to go through some times of trial and testing. But, be assured God does care, and He will be there when we need Him if we will just be patient.
