Build Your Believing, with Patience

Or put differently "Let patience have her perfect work." Of course, Bible-centered patience is neither procrastination, nor passivity, and the need to discern the difference is all about wisdom. Not surprisingly the next verse is "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." [James 1:5]

Even though patience in the Bible is a good thing, a fruit to be cultivated through a worldly lens, where instant gratification is raised as a virtue, patience remains a whisper to the carnal ear. A 'quick fix' approach will not always fit all situations the best. Indeed, there could've been a quick 'fix' to the conflict Jesus accepted; as He was arrested, as Simon Peter denied Him, as the crowds including His own favored Barabbas, as Jesus took on punishment by His tormentors, as He was carrying the cross, and as He was crucified.

As the hymn exhorts, "He would not come down from the cross just to save Himself. He decided to die just to save me." That is patience. As Christ's ones we are to have godly patience, to cultivate it... to die to ourselves, pick up our cross daily, and follow Him. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, PATIENCE, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

Within this present world, the display of this will be appreciated by some favorably, and for others incite conflict, not surprisingly. From one of my favorite comedians [a Christian] comes an applicable, bible-centered sentiment: "Life will bring you people and circumstances to reveal where you are not 'free'."

Standfast, brothers and sisters, in the liberty wherewith Christ has set you free. Inwardly, have zeal for the things of God, and 'wait' on the Lord. Let patience have her perfect work, with wisdom. Abide. Amen.

PRAYER: Dearest Lord-God, sometimes patience becomes a difficult work especially within certain conversations and particular circumstances. Remind me that what You permit, can be a source for my personal growth, and an investment towards greater peace and joy, if I let it. The world will be the world, but 'greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world'. (1 John 4:4) Remind me of how patience can bring glory to You, blessing to others, and healing within troubled seasons. Help me to be so yielded, to 'turn my eyes upon Jesus'. The things of earth will grow faintly dim in the light of His glory and grace. The Lord be praised. Amen.
By Dea. McNeal Brockington