If peace is the most delicious fruit of the Spirit, patience is by far the most bitter fruit we consume. Having patience, as one of God’s chosen, is probably the most difficult quality we can achieve. Still, as one of God’s own, we are grateful that God is patient with us and that as we achieve patience, we become better people and more mature Christians.
Patience in the “King James” version is often called “Long Suffering”. There is a reason for that. As we walk with God, we want to see God do so many things in our lives. As we live in a world that thrives upon instant gratification, having to wait upon the Lord is exceedingly difficult. Still, in the balance, God’s patience with us far exceeds our patience with Him and with others.
Scripture is filled with the Lord developing patience in His chosen. Israel waited well over 400 years to inherit the land God promised. God was quiet for 400 years between Malachi and the birth of Christ. David was on the run from Saul and His family over 20 years before becoming the King of a united Israel. The stories of God teaching patience to His own are endless. Even the faith Chapter, Hebrews 11, is filled with God’s All Stars–all having to wait upon the Lord.
In our lives, God continues to stretch us and mold us within a culture that does not even acknowledge His existence. Few things in our lives push us toward patience or long suffering. We expect and demand satisfaction now. Employees want raises and promotions, now. Parents want superstar dancers, scholars, and athletes at age 6. Pastors want mega churches in a year or two.
Let’s be honest, none of us really want to wait upon the Lord. But Isaiah said it best, “Those who wait upon the Lord, WILL renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles! They will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
We must be willing to consume patience, no matter how bitter a fruit. When we do, God will make us unstoppable, unselfish, mighty ministering warriors for Him. In addition, we will leave an amazing legacy and life for Him.
God Bless You
Proverbs 14:29
Whoever is patient has great understanding,
but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
I Corinthians 13:4-5
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Isaiah 40:31
Thise Who wait on the Lord will renew their strength, they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
Proverbs 16:32
Better a patient person than a warrior,
one with self-control than one who takes a city.
Walking With God 