DON’T PRAY FOR PATIENCE
Growing a church in India takes time and patience. Not many men respond, and those who do often don’t take leadership positions. Some come to the faith, but many grow slowly. I can’t teach the pastors patience, but God can – and He does. Without it they don’t stay in the ministry. David in the Bible also was taught patience so he could serve God.
When David was 12 years old, Samuel came to Jesse in Bethlehem to anoint the next king, the one to replace Saul. David’s father never even considered David, as he was the youngest. But God showed them David was to be the next king (1 Samuel 16:3). David was chosen and anointed at 12, but didn’t become king until he was 42, and even then it was only over 2 of the 12 tribes.
Finally, when he was 49, he became king over the whole nation. David had to wait 37 years to become king! God was teaching him patience and trust. David wrote “wait for the Lord” in Psalm 27:14, and that is an important lesson for all of us.
It takes time to become the person God wants us to be, to learn to patiently trust and follow God, to persevere no matter what happens. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and we only have it as we rely on His Presence in all things.
Can you imagine the patience God must have for us? Yet He never quits on us. Patience doesn’t come naturally. Have you ever seen a patient baby? Patience is something we learn through suffering (Romans 5:2-4). So whenever you are tempted to be impatient, think of it as an opportunity to learn to be patient. Patience comes from trusting God’s sovereignty and His timing. So don’t pray for patience, instead pray for suffering so you can learn patience. David patiently waited 37 years for God to keep his promise. How long have you been waiting? (January14, 2020 Doylestown, PA)
Romans 5:2-4 And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance (or patience); perseverance (or patience), character; and character, hope.
Are you faithful now in the little things God has entrusted you? Are you content to wait for God to work, or are you always trying to make things happen as soon as you want? Do you make plans and then ask God to make them work, or do you wait for His leading and direction first? Would those who know you best say you are a patient person? Would God say you persevere and keep faithfully serving no matter what?