There is a well-known passage in the bible that I have often heard quoted. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven", Ecclesiastes 3:1. As I contemplate that verse, my thoughts immediately offer me insight into the value of "patience". I hate to admit that I, along with countless others, do not possess an abundance of patience. Today we live in a fast-paced environment known for supplying instant gratification in so many arenas. Technology has increased so rapidly in this generation with regard to communication around the globe, that we rarely have to wait for anything. We have instant access through a variety of mediums to each other, as well as an explosion of knowledge and entertainment unheard of in past centuries. Our transportation needs have been met with unprecedented options for increased speed, satisfying the hunger of our hurry-up society. Do you ever feel that you are always racing to get somewhere, but never arriving? Do you ever feel like a hamster on a ferris wheel, going around in circles? I do!
How do we counterbalance a world of instant communication, knowledge, entertainment, travel, and even food with the concept of patience? Can we cultivate this important quality in our individual and collective conscience? I think we can, if we follow the principles, teachings and example of our heavenly Father. Did I say example? Yes, I did. If we look in the pages of our bible, we will find that He is the epitome of patience. How do you think He put up with mankind for six thousand years?
Our Father has a purpose for His creation and a definite timeline for it's fulfillment. He is in no hurry. Man's thoughts, plans and actions in no way influence our Creator's intention. The apostle Peter answered the hurry-up crowd in his day, who questioned the promised return of our Lord to usher in the kingdom. These scoffers were antsy, claiming that he wasn't moving fast enough for them. Peter's response in II Pet 3:9 explained, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance".
We often see, in the apostles' letters to the various fellowships of their day, references made to the times and seasons God has purposed for the future fulfillment of his plan. Paul wrote in Eph 1:10 of the dispensation of the fullness of times, when Christ will gather all things unto himself. In verses 13-14 he reminded the Ephesians that they were sealed with the Holy Spirit as a downpayment of their future inheritance "until the redemption of the purchased possession". They were instructed in Eph 4:30 not to grieve this Holy Spirit, whereby they were sealed until the day of redemption. In Phil 1:6, Paul told the believers in Philippi that the good work God had performed in them would continue until the day of Jesus Christ. In Col 3:4, he wrote "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory". He reminded the Thessalonians in II Thes 1:10 of the day when Christ shall come in His glory, and in 2:1 he again spoke of the coming of our Lord Jesus and our gathering together unto him. Peter also spoke in I Pet 4:13 and 5:4 of the day when Christ's glory would be revealed. God is patient in His dealings with mankind and in revealing His purpose for our future. He has set aside a time and a season for the establishment of His kingdom upon this earth.
While we await our Savior's return, the bible reveals that we will undergo many trials and tribulations, but we are instructed to dwell upon this earth with patience. Why must we be subjected to these trials and tribulations? Paul tells us in Rom 5:3-4 that we should glory in tribulations, knowing that they work patience. Patience then brings forth experience, and experience brings forth hope. Rom 12:12 says, "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer". Rom 15:4 tells us, "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope". James 1:3-4 says, "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing". Jas 5:7-8 instrust us, "Be patient therefore brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh". Verses 10-11 continues, "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy".
Patience, or longsuffering, is one of the fruits of the Spirit, according to Gal 5:22. It is a necessary ingredient in our lives as a response to the trials of life. I Peter, chapter 1, speaks a great deal about the trying of our faith. Peter told his readers that they were being kept by the power of God unto the revelation of their salvation in the last time. Then he continued, "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ".
It is guaranteed that we will suffer many trials and temptations in this life, but it is God's purpose to use these trials to test our endurance under pressure; to prove our faith; to test our staying power. Heb 10:36 tells us, "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise". Heb 12:1b-2 goes on to say, "Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God". Even Christ suffered in the flesh as our example. I Peter 4:12-13 speaks regarding the things we suffer, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy".
Have you heard the saying that the only thing constant is change? Change happens all the time. There is nothing in this world that is not constantly undergoing change. It can be difficult and stressful to adapt to the changing times and seasons of our lives, and sometimes fearful as well. This is where faith and patience are needed to strengthen us. Patience is born of faith. The bible definition of faith, according to Heb 11:1, is "The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". That takes patience! When we are assured of the love of God and that he cares for us, no matter what life throws at us, we can find it in ourselves to wait patiently for the manifestation of His grace and mercy. It will come in it's season. Isa 40:31 says, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint". Whatever you may be enduring at present, know that it is but for a season. Phil 4:6-7 encourages, "Be careful (worried) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus".
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