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Give Me Patience … Now!

by Jim Long

If the only way to develop patience is to go through difficulty, we'd probably just as soon skip it. Every day brings some exasperation—some need, small or great, that forces us to exercise patience. Patience is just part of the equipment we need if we are going to cope with life.

Think through the past few weeks. Who or what has tested your patience? A teacher who didn't understand you? A friend who annoyed you? A brother or sister in an obnoxious mood? A parent's expectations that seemed unreasonable? A disappointing grade? A broken-down car? Other drivers? Sickness?

OK, now which of those situations did you have any control over? Probably not many. Yes, it's good to try to control those things you can control, just to simplify your life. But usually, the things that test our patience are simply out of our control. We just have to live with them.

So, now what?

Paul tells us to be "strengthened with all power according to [God's] glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience" (Colossians 1:11).

Yes, God can actually give us the power to be patient.

Think of it another way.

What if the only thing you ever had to wait for was God? If the only thing that demanded your patience was someone who loved you, who ruled the universe, and who always had your best interest at heart, wouldn't patience come easier?

We struggle with patience because we don't like the circumstances we face. Patience is difficult because things feel out of control. The timing seems wrong; the wait drags on and on.

And yet, because God is in control, we can be patient. Because God loves us, we can relax. Because God's wisdom is flawless, we can wait.

The only thing that ever demands our patience is the wise God who loves us. When we want circumstances to change, we wait for God to change those circumstances—or help us to change them. Or help us to accept whatever circumstances we're in.

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him" (Psalm 37:7).

When hardships test our patience, it is the powerful, loving, wise God who will, in time, lift our burdens—and give us the patience to wait for better things.

The Power Pack 60-Day Challenge
In this "Power Pack," we focus on patience. For the next 60 days, we'd like to challenge you to study Scripture passages about patience. Then, after the end of this "60-Day Challenge," we hope you'll be able to say, "I'm a more patient person!"

Read it! March: Some "patient" passages Let's start with Romans 5:1-5. As you read, you'll discover the process of patience, and the good that will come to you as you learn it. Take some notes as you read, by answering these questions: What does Paul tell us about the process of developing patience? What does the passage promise will be the result of going through this process? Think of a specific situation that's tested your patience recently. How does this passage apply? Rewrite this passage in your own words, or perhaps express it as a poem. Now, read Hebrews 12:1-13, James 5:7-11, and 2 Peter 3:8-18. Each passage gives a different twist on the idea of patience. Think about these ideas. How do they help you rethink what it means to be patient? April: "Extreme" patience Read Psalm 105. Notice that the psalm tells the story of not just good times, but bad times as well. But it always comes back to praising God for carrying the people through those bad times—and teaching them patience in the process. By now you have probably noticed that the Bible teaches patience through extremes—like suffering. Now, answer these questions about Psalm 105: Who needed patience? Why? What was the result? How can you apply their experiences to your life and the things that try your patience? Write down your ideas.

Now, write your own version of Psalm 105, sort of a "ballad" of your own life. Look back at the times God has blessed you, and at the times he has helped you through difficulties. When you're done, pray it back to God, thanking him for his love and care. Keep it in your Bible, and refer to it when you need a reminder of God's faithfulness—and how he's taught you patience. Work on It! Make a list, completing this sentence: "It tries my patience when … " How many things can you think of? Write in how you usually respond to each of those situations. In other words, what does your impatience look like? Pick a couple of those situations, and imagine how you could be more patient. Ask yourself, "In this situation, what would true patience look like?" Write it down. Imagine yourself responding patiently. Pray for God's strength to help you be more patient in trying situations. OK, another twist: Instead of thinking about the things that make you impatient, ask yourself, "What do I do that makes others impatient?" Think through the key relationships in your life—with your family, your friends, at school, on the job. Are there ways you provoke impatience in others? What can you do to help them in their quest for patience? Want more? If you've found this column helpful, you might be interested in the Deeper Devotions Series, also by Jim Long. It's Who You Are That Counts is a study of the Fruit of the Spirit. When Life Gets Tough is based on the book of James. Both are published by Zondervan Publishing House and are available at your local Christian bookstore, or for information, call 1-800-727-3480.

Copyright © 1998 by the author or Christianity Today International/Campus Life magazine. For reprint information call 630-260-6200 or e-mail clmag@CampusLife.net March/April 1998. Page 10

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