How Can I Be More Patient?

Thought for the week: Have you ever felt impatient? Well, I have and I sometimes still struggle with being patient and waiting on God. But what does that mean, to be patient? Let’s dig in.

Patience means forbearance, long-suffering. We see in the bible that Job showed patience. Job could have given up and throw in the towel, but he didn’t. He put his faith in God and endured his trial. Because of his patience he was blessed with double. Hallelujah!

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control: against such there is no law.
²⁴ And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
²⁵ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Galatians 5:22-25, speaks of patience as one of the characteristics that believers should have. This, my friend, is called the fruits of the spirit. There’s nine of them, but today I am speaking about PATIENCE.

Question: We have all prayed for patience, but do we really know how to wait? Do we want to wait? If you’re like me, you’re probably pondering about this word. No one likes to wait; especially since our world is so microwaveable. But I’m reminded in James 1:4, “…but patience must have her work.”

I know you’re saying, “What does that mean?” Well think of a fruit. A farmer must plant the seed in the ground, then water it and lastly, fertilize it. Well my friend, when we think of patience or James 1:4, we can relate the natural fruit to the spiritual fruit that works in us. God has to prune us and nurture us just like the farmer nurtures his crops.

I know it sounds easy then done, but we must have faith and patience like Job, Hannah and Abraham.

What are you struggling with today that you cannot wait? Patience my friend, patience. I’m reminded of a quote: “Patience is a virtue.”

Patience is a Virtue!

Why did I say that? Because patience is truly a virtue. Sometimes we move ahead of God; due to the lack of our faith and our impatience. This may cause us to make frivolous mistakes, which may end in a heartbreaking outcome.

I can recall a time when I didn’t have patience. It was several years ago and I wanted to buy a new car; since my other car was giving me trouble.  I searched online and asked friends and relatives which companies had the best deal? Everyone kept referring me to try this place and another. I couldn’t decide.

I finally drove to a dealership 45 minutes away. As I arrived at the car dealership, I felt the Holy Spirit nudge me to leave. Twice the Spirit nudged me!

Did I listen? No.

I wanted a car so bad, I ignored the Spirit and bought the car. I drove off the lot feeling great and overjoyed. Then the car began to shut off and on while I was driving down the interstate. I was a nervous wreck. I prayed the whole 45 minutes back home.

Deep down, I knew I made the wrong choice, but I was impatient and just wanted a car. Prayerfully, I pulled into my yard, thanking God that I didn’t get hurt on the highway.

The next day the car would not start! Yikes! I spent all this money on the car and the car wouldn’t crank. I became angry, frustrated and even aggravated. But, the Spirit had nudged me not to buy it! I wished I would have listened, but I was so adamant about buying the car. My impatience taught me a hard, honest lesson on the importance of waiting and being patient. I have learned to wait now.

Impatience vs God’s Timing

Sometimes we don’t want to wait, and yes—it can be uncomfortable to wait—but God has perfect timing and He knows what’s best for His children. As we look in the Bible, we see figures who struggle to be patient.

For instance, Abraham and Sarah. God promised them they would conceive a child. God didn’t tell them they were going to conceive a child right then and there. It actually took fifteen years. But Sarah became impatient, just like we do, and took matters in her own hands. She told Abraham to take Hagar, her maid and bear a child. Abraham did, but this was not God’s plan. God still blessed Abraham and Sarah with a child, Isaac. Due to their impatience, Hagar bore Ishamel, Sarah bore Isaac, and now these two nations have chaos between them.

Have you ever been impatient and taken matters into your own hands? How did you feel afterwards? Regretful, angry, frustrated and upset? I believe we have all been there. Here are some tips:

1. “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) We have to stop rushing in impatience.
2. “Acknowledge God in all His ways.” (Proverbs 3:6) We must acknowledge and ask God according to His will and way. Why do you want me to wait? Is there something else you have for me? These are simple questions to ask yourself before making the choice to move forward.
3. Don’t complain.  We as people sometimes tend to complain when things aren’t going our way. As in Philippians 2:1-18, “Give thanks without murmuring.”
4. Meditate on God while being patient. Philippians 4:8 teaches us to meditate on what is true.

I pray these tips will be helpful in becoming patient. May God bless you and keep you, my dear friend.

My name is Shakira Wilkerson. I am a native of New Jersey, but I reside in South Carolina. In South Carolina I am a teacher assistant for sixteen years, teaching children.  In my spare time, I like to read, sing, write, sew and have devotion on Wednesday’s with a group of women to share the message of Jesus Christ.