A ministry leader told me recently, “I am losing patience with a person to whom I gave an assignment and who said he would do it right away. But he hasn’t done a thing.”
Another national director said, “I wish the people in our international office had more patience with us. They don’t seem to understand the circumstances in which we have to work.”
We all need patience. Without patience we say and do things we shouldn’t and as a result damage relationships. Without patience, we can take action that is outside the will of God. This happened to King Saul when he didn’t patiently wait for Samuel.
Patience is necessary for ministry. Paul told Timothy, “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction…” (2 Timothy 4:2).
There are two kinds of patience and both are mentioned in the Bible. There is patience with people and patience with circumstances.
Sometimes it is people who test our patience. A person who is patient with people has the ability to act or react but shows restraint and holds his tongue. A patient person has the power to take revenge but refuses to show revenge. “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11).
The Bible teaches that Jesus had unlimited patience. He was silent when he was reviled and mocked at his unfair trial and crucifixion.
Sometimes it is circumstances that test our patience. Prolonged sickness can tests your patience. A shipment of books that is delayed reaching your country can test your patience. Waiting for a bus can test your patience. Traffic can test your patience.
The Bible often calls this kind of patience “endurance” or “perseverance”. People who are patient with their circumstances are steady. They keep going when the way gets difficult. They can handle delay without getting depressed. They can be frustrated without fuming or exploding. They can experience suffering without going sour or becoming bitter.
Paul said, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12). James wrote, “Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. (James 5:10-11).
We need to develop patience. Patience is not something natural to us. How do we develop patience.
1. Recognize that it is only when your faith is tested that you will develop patience.
2. Let the Holy Spirit work in your character and personality. Patience is one of the fruit of the Spirit.
3. Practice self-control. The lack of patience is often the result of speaking before we think! It is a sign of a character flaw when we just say or do the first thing that comes into our mind.
4. See your situation from God’s point of view. He knows the people that test your patience. He understands the circumstances you are going through. Remember God has everything under his control. Trust him to work things out. Put your faith in him to deal with the people who upset you. Remember that God may be using the people and circumstances that are testing your patience to make you a better person.
5. Have patience as you wait for the Lord’s return. James wrote, “Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” Paul wrote, “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4).