DEVELOPING THE MUCH-NEEDED PATIENCE IN TODAY’S HASTY WORLD
“It is better to be patient than powerful. It is better to win control over yourself than over whole cities.” Proverbs 16:32 (GNT)
“… Impatience will get you into trouble.” Proverbs 19:2 (GNT)
“… Is your life full of difficulties…? … Be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow!” James 1:2-3 (TLB)
GOD’S PART: HE PROVIDES THE CIRCUMSTANCES
FOUR kinds of “opportunities”:
• INTERRUPTIONS
• INCONVENIENCES
• IRRITATIONS
• INACTIVITY
There are three major areas in our life that is guaranteed to sabotage our patience.
1. When circumstances are UNCONTROLLABLE
“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…” James 5:7
2. When people are UNCHANGEABLE
“As an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.” James 5:10
3. When problems are UNEXPLAINABLE
“You have heard of Job’s perseverance…” James 5:11b
MY PART: RESPONDING POSITIVELY. HOW?
a) DISCOVER A BIGGER PERSPECTIVE
“A man’s wisdom gives him patience. It is his glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11
“A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays his folly.” Proverbs 14:29
b) DEVELOP A SENSE OF HUMOR
“A relaxed attitude lengthens a man’s life…” Proverbs 14:30 (TLB)
“The one enthroned in Heaven laughs…” Psalm 2:4
c) DEEPEN YOUR LOVE
“Love is patient…” 1 Corinthians 13:4
“… Be patient with each other, making [allowances] for each other’s faults because of your love.” Ephesians 4:2 (TLB)
d) DEPEND ON JESUS’ STRENGTH AND POWER
“May He strengthen you, in His glorious might, with ample power to meet whatever comes with fortitude, patience and joy!” Colossians 1:11
*When I depend on Jesus:
I wait EXPECTANTLY.
“… I wait expectantly, trusting God to help, for [He’s] promised.” Psalm 130:5 (TLB)
I wait QUIETLY.
“It is good… to… wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Lamentations 3:26 (TLB)
I wait GRATEFULLY.
“In every thing give thanks…” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)