Patience

Romans 8:25 (NIV)
But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

I think one of the areas that God has developed me most in since I became a believer, is my patience. If you were born and raised in America, than you know that western civilization is not very patient when it comes to anything. We want everything fast; fast money, fast food, fast cars, the fast life, fast weight loss, etc... In able to prosper in Gods Kingdom we have to renew our mindsets to all things concerning Christ, and patience is one of those things.

Patience is something that God extends to us freely everyday; but how often do we ever extend it back to Him. How many times have you asked God for something and His response was, it’s coming just be patient. For some of us those are the words we did not want to hear. We want to hear yes, right now. But if you are a true believer you know that whatever it is you’re using your faith to believe for it, and it may not manifest over night like we want it to.

James 1:3 (KJV)
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Assuming that whatever you have asked God for is according to His will, and you already asked and He answered with a be patient statement; why is that not enough for some of us? Why do we try and rush God into getting what we desire. If you’re a woman and you asked God for a good husband, and
He said he’s on his way, just be patient. That should be the command we follow, but instead of patiently waiting on God we try and take matters into our own hands by filling our own needs.

Many of us have done this, including me. What I realized over the years is this; 1. My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches and glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19), 2. If I do not obey Gods command, than 10 times out of 10 I’m going to mess things up. 3. Just because God said be patient doesn’t mean it’s going to take as long as I think. 4. God knows what’s best for my life.

Back to the example of the woman desiring a good husband; she asked God and God told her to be patient. She wasn’t trying to hear that, so she went out looking for a man and found one. She wanted a husband, he thought he wanted a wife, so they got married and had two kids. 10 years later they are still married, she is miserable because she found out she wasn’t ready to get married and have kids, he’s a compulsive cheater and alcoholic, and because their relationship is unhealthy, the kids are horrible. As a result of this situation the woman lost her confidence in God because she doesn’t understand how he would let her be so miserable.

The woman wasn’t patient to wait on God and as a result of her own works that is the life she is living. The fact of the matter is, God told her to be patient because He needed to develop her in a few more areas of her life so she could be the wife he called her to be. If she would have stayed strong in her faith and waited on God, she would have been introduced to the man of her dreams within three months. Instead, 10 years later and miserable; she’s still searching for joy and happiness.

So next time God tells you to be patient, than be patient. Don’t jump ahead, let Christ in you take over and follow God’s command.

I pray that this has been a blessing on your life.

Daryle Houston II
Kingdom Vizion Ministries
www.kingdomvizion.org