Why Should We Be Patient? Part 2

Chuckle:  "Be patient when a person growls at you; he may be living with a bear!"  

 

Quote:  "Patience and diligence, like faith remove mountains."  --William Penn 

 

WHY SHOULD WE BE PATIENT, Part 2

 

    "Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near"  (James 5:7-8 NIV).

 

Last time, we saw that we should be patient because: (1) We know Jesus is coming back; (2) Patience is rewarded; and (3) God is working out His plans for our lives until Jesus returns.  So, what should we be doing while we patiently wait for Christ's return?  Here are a few thoughts.

 

    1. Wait with expectation: After planting, a farmer waits patiently and expectantly looks forward to the harvest.  He understands that he cannot hurry the process along; but while he waits, he plows a field getting it ready for next year.  He cleans out his barns so they will be ready for the harvest.  He believes God is going to give him a harvest. 

 

When we wait on God, we don't sit and do nothing, but are actively working to strengthen our marriages, to make our homes more godly places, to see our family and friends come to Christ.  We should be busy in God's kingdom while we trust and wait upon Him.  Psalm 135 says, "I wait expectantly, trusting God to help, for He has promised."  Jesus said: "According to your faith, may it be unto you"  (Matthew 9:29 NIV).  Trust Him expectantly.

    2. Wait with quietness: James warns: "Don't grumble about each other, my brothers and sisters, or God will judge you. For look! The great judge is coming. He is standing at the door" (James 5:9 NLT).  We have so much and appreciate it so little.  I think we have become a nation of grumblers and complainers.  Don't blame God or everyone else for problems in your life, but accept responsibility for your own actions, and as you wait quietly, trust in our Lord.

    3. Wait with confidence: Job had confidence in God, not matter what.  The Omnipotent God knew what He was doing in Job's life.  Jesus had confidence that His Father would raise Him from the dead.  We can have a quiet confidence that comes from a daily walk with our Lord.  The Bible says "patience" is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).  Allow Him to teach you how to be patient.  We know with certainty and confidence that Jesus will return when the time is right.  However, it is His desire that all people hear the gospel prior to his return.  He doesn't want anyone to miss an opportunity to know Him and welcome His return.


Love, Jerry & Dotse