Why Should We Be Patient

Chuckle:  A cop to a speeder: "Warning! You want a warning? O.K., I'm warning you not to do that again or I'll give you another ticket."

 

Quote:  "Patience may be defined as that quality of life which makes suffering creative; and impatience as that whereby suffering becomes a destructive force." --Robert Llewelyn

 

WHY SHOULD WE BE PATIENT?                

   
   "Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. . . You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near" (James 5:7a-8 NIV).

    We should be patient because Jesus is coming back.  I have a news flash for you today!  The same Jesus who walked in Galilee, who healed the sick and raised the dead, who died on the cross for our sins, and who miraculously arose from the dead on the third day is coming back.  That same Jesus is coming again.  What better reason could we have to stand firm and be patient.  Shout  Halleluiah if you wish!!!

That's why we can get excited about waiting -- about standing firm -- about being patient -- about persevering.  When Jesus ascended into heaven the angel of the Lord said: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking up into the sky. This same Jesus who has been taken from you into heaven will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11 NIV).  He's going to make things right and show us the eternal truths of His kingdom.  That's why we can have patience -- that's why we can wait.  Things here on earth seem out of our control but our Heavenly Father is in control.  He will send His Son back to earth at His appointed time.

    We should be patient because patience is rewarded. "As you know, we consider blessed those that have endured (been patient, persevered)"  (James 5:11 NIV).  Job was ultimately blessed because he had patience as were the prophets.  Our patience will cause us to grow strong -- it will cause us grow in wisdom -- and to be a tower of strength in God's kingdom and in his church.  Jesus said: "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:11-12 NIV).

    We should be patient because God is working out His plans. "You have heard of job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy" (James 5:11 NIV).  God was at work in Job's situation and He is at work in yours.  Trust Him.  When you pray remember, delay is not denial.  There's a difference in God saying "no" and "not yet."  Learn to wait when you feel ready for something to happen but God isn't. . .  What should you do while you patiently wait?  Next time we'll address that question.

Love, Jerry & Dotse