It is often quite difficult to remain patient in certain situations, but did you know that patience is a quality we, as God’s chosen ones, are told we must have.
Romans 12:12 (CSB)
Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.
There is a story in the Bible of a man called Abram and his wife Sarai, who were without children. During their waiting for a child to be conceived, Sarai became impatient and got Abram to also marry their slave called Hagar, so a child could be conceived. This arrangement created problems though with Sarai. Hagar gave birth to a son called Ishmael. Abram at this point in time was 86 years old.
When Abram was 99 years old, God told Abram he would make him the father of a multitude of nations. Abram, who later had the name of Abraham and his wife the name Sarah, had been given hope by God, even though he was nearly 100 years old and Sarah was 90 years old. It must have taken a lot of patience, trust and hope to wait for the arrival of their promised child. God does not make empty promises though, all of God’s promises come true.
When Abraham was 100 years old, Sarah gave birth to their son Isaac. You can read their story in Genesis, chapters 15, 16, 17 and chapter 21:1-7.
We too, can become impatient while we are waiting for something to happen, and we can lose our patience with people and become annoyed or angry. God’s way is always the best way though and God wants us to be patient.
At this present time, in 2023, having patience with all that is happening in the world and with all the false doctrine and heresy that is being spoken, it is difficult not to become impatient and angry. When we read our Bible, we know these things that are prophesied in the scriptures must come to pass. We can not change the Word of God, it has already been spoken and what has been spoken is true and will come to pass. We must be patient as we eagerly await the return of Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:25 (CSB)
Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.
All will be made right in the coming Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
James 5:8 (CSB)
You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.
2 Timothy 4:2 (CSB)
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and teaching.
Timothy was to preach the true Word of God, he was not to turn away from sound doctrine and he was not to turn to myths. Timothy was to preach God’s word with patience.
Revelation 3:10 (CSB)
Because you have kept my command to endure, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that is going to come on the whole world to test those who live on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one takes your crown.
The hour of testing refers to the 7 year period in Revelation called the Tribulation. If we keep Jesus’ command to endure (which will require patience), then Jesus will keep us from the hour of testing that is coming to the whole world.
We are fast approaching this point in time. Make sure that no one takes away your crown.
Onward Christian Soldiers 