Faith to Be Patient

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” - Isaiah 40:31

Most people would describe patience as a good character trait. But did you know that, as a Christian, patience is intimately tied to your faith in God? 

If we are being honest, many of us will admit that patience is a quality more admired than possessed. Why do you think businesses came up with the concept of "Instant Noodles," "3-in-1 Shampoo," "Fast Food Restaurants," “Instant Messaging,” etc.? It is because we are living in an "instant world," and we have to cope with today's fast pace environment. 

Everything around us screams, “Hurry up!” We have become conditioned to it so much that it now seems normal to be hurried, frustrated, and exhausted. So with that in mind, let me ask you this: how is this "instant mania" affecting our spiritual lives? Do we expect instant answers from God when we pray for something? Do we even understand the concept of waiting on God…much less know how to do it?

The apostle Paul lists patience, or long-suffering, as one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Patience in a biblical sense is not just a question of temperament; it is a way of training our inner spirit to persevere as we trust God to fulfill the promises found in His Word. As Christians, patience means learning to take the long path rather than the easy one.

Patience will always require trusting in God. If we go forth in our own strength, we will faint and utterly fall; but setting our hearts and our hopes in the Lord, we will be carried above all circumstances. It is then that we are able to lay hold of the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus. God is ever gracious to all that come to Him by faith in Christ; and blessed are those who persevere (James 5:11).

Father, give me strength and faith to wait for You and trust You. Thank You that You will always fulfill Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.