got patience?
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. ~James 1:4
The Art Of Patience – Waiting Is Trust (Isaiah 40:28-32)
- Some of the greatest blessings the Lord provides go unnoticed, because we did not wait on Him. God’s timing is perfect; but it often does not line up with our schedules. The ability to wait is based on our ability to trust (Psalm 130; Lamentations 3:19-26).
- It can be easy for us to make sense to our self. Our logic is rooted in the natural world; but God’s ways are super-natural. We have to allow God to lead; and at a pace He knows is right for our life. (Isaiah 55:6-9; Proverbs 3:5-8).
The Art Of Patience – Resisting Temptation (Galatians 6:9)
When we have decided to trust in the Lord by waiting on Him to fix or clarify a situation, we will be faced with many temptations to hurry the process. David had been anointed king by the Lord through the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16:1-13), and Saul had God’s Spirit removed because of his disobedience (1 Samuel 15); but David chose to wait and allow God to work out all the details and circumstances to make his kingship become a physical reality ( 1 Samuel 24 & 26).
- Remaining patient is hard when you are scared (1 Samuel 24:2; 26:1-4)
- Remaining patient is hard when others speak in your ear (1 Samuel 24:4, 26:8)
- Remaining patient is hard when the opportunity seems right (1 Samuel 24:3; 26:7)
The Art Of Patience – Acting On Faith v.s. Reacting To Circumstance (Psalm 46:10)
Saying we have faith and responding in faith, are two different things. Faith is not passive; in fact, it is a very active response to God’s truth. One of the greatest acts of faith is to remain still during difficult times, and allow God to work in our circumstance. This is why we are called to persevere.
David was on the run. Not that he was just running away, but he was being pursued by men who wanted him dead. He was truly in a battle for his life; and the way he would respond, would define his relationship with God.
As you look at David in 1 Samuel 24 & 26, you begin to see how his character was shaped by his faith in an almighty God, and how it allowed him to be patient.
- Faith moves us to repent when we become impatient (1 Samuel 24:5-6)
- Faith motivates us to take a stand for what is right (1 Samuel 24:7; 26:9)
- Faith believes that God will prevail in the right way at the right time (1 Samuel 26:10, 24)
- Faith under pressure responds with integrity (1 Samuel 24:13; 26:23)
The Art Of Patience – A Learned Attribute (Philippians 4:11)
Patience does not suddenly happen at the moment you need it; it begins with acknowledging your need of it before the Lord, and allowing Him to transform you.
- Thoughts – We must process every thought before we act, and submit those thoughts to the Holy Spirit; therefore allowing us the ability to avoid the traps that lead us to those stressful moments that cause us to be impatient (2 Corinthians 10:5).
- Emotions – As we submit our thoughts to the Holy Spirit, our emotions will also begin to change as we face trying times and trying people. The more under control our emotions become, the easier it will be to deal with difficulty (Galatians 5:16).
- Speech – As we submit our thoughts and emotions to the care of the Holy Spirit, our speech will reflect that change. Harsh and hurting words will disappear when we are under pressure, and our negative speech will fade during difficult circumstances (James 3:2).