Learning to be Patient (Part 2)

In our last blog we began a discussion about patience, and we talked about 3 situations WHEN we need to be patient. We said we need to be patient WHEN:

• Circumstances are beyond our control
• Dealing with difficult people
• We don’t have all the answers

Today we are going to continue our discussion on patience, and we are going to talk about  two reasons WHY we need to be patient. The first reason WHY we need to be patient is because God has His own schedule, and many times it’s not our schedule. When we have problems, most of us bombard God with lots of questions. Like – Why can’t I get a job?  Why am I always broke?  Why doesn’t this work?  Why? Why? Why? Sound familiar?

How many of you know that God always answers ALL of our questions? Well, He does – every one. God is gracious – He treats people with dignity and respect. And one way He exhibits graciousness is by responding to them. If you ignored someone by not answering their questions, you could rightfully be accused of being rude and inconsiderate. God never does that. God is always considerate and kind and loving and gracious and good…… The list goes on ad infinitum.

But even though God always responds, He doesn’t always move as fast as we like. He’s got His own schedule, and that means sometimes we have to wait for His answers. And that requires patience. Let me give you a definition of patience that I really like: Patience is waiting for God to respond.  

God always hears us – that’s not the issue. Take a look at Psalm 102:17.

“He will listen to the prayers of the destitute. He will not reject their pleas.” Psalm 102:17

Bye the way, who are the destitute in this Psalm? It’s us – we are all destitute. James puts it a different way. Take a look at James 5:8.

“Be patient and stand firm because the Lord’s coming is near.”  James 5:8

That’s an interesting verse. This is typical James. Sometimes his ideas don’t seem to flow together. He seems to jump around. But, let’s think about what James just said – The Lord’s second coming is really ultimate proof that God is in control. God controls history, and that means He controls our lives as well. God knows the beginning from the end. God has a purpose and a plan for each of us. He knows all the problems we are going to face, and they are all under His control as well. And He knows all the solutions – all the outcomes – and all the timing. So God says be patient while He works things out. God’s timing is always perfect. He’s never early. He’s never late. He’s always on time. And when you not hearing from God as fast as you would like. That doesn’t mean He’s ignoring you – we just talked about that. It just means, “Not yet”. “The time isn’t right”. There is a big difference between, “No” and “Not yet”. God’s delays are not God’s denials.

OK let’s look at waiting on God from another perspective. Sometimes when we think we are waiting on God, the reverse is actually true. God is waiting for us. Let me explain. Sometimes before God answers our prayers, He decides to make some changes in us.  Let’s say you have been out of work for a while. And let’s say you have a big problem with submitting to authority. So, God says, “Yes, I will give you a job, but first we have to work on your problem with authority.” So God goes to work on it – somehow – however way He does that. And as time goes by we start to think, “It looks like I’m waiting on God to answer my prayers for a job.” But the truth is God is working on us, and He is waiting for His work to be completed. Now, I’m not saying this is always true in every case. But it is something we need to consider when we find ourselves in the waiting mode.

A second reason WHY I need to be patient is because God rewards patience. Jesus told us that in Matthew 5:11-12.

“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” Matthew 5:11-12

In this passage we see a reference to the prophets. Jesus says when you are patient under persecution (as was the prophets) there is reward in heaven. But one of the things our sin nature wants us to do when we are persecuted by other people is retaliate. But if we respond with patience instead, Jesus will say, “Atta boy”, “Well done”,  and we will be rewarded in heaven. So the next time you want to retaliate against somebody, ask yourself, “Is it worth giving up my reward?” And of course the answer is no.

That covers two important reasons WHY we need to be patient. Next week we will talk about HOW to be patient. In the meantime we are going to be celebrating the Easter holiday this weekend. Easter is one of the most celebrated holidays on the planet. The center focus is the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Jesus claimed to be God in human flesh and He also claimed to be the Savior of the human race. His resurrection provides the proof that His claims are real. Take a look at Romans 1:4.

“By being raised from the dead, He proved He was the mighty Son of God, with the nature of God Himself.” Romans 1:4

Have a great holiday, and I will see you next week.