Spiritual Path: Growth in Patience

2peter 1: 6

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; (KJV)

Patience is "waiting without complaint," And how is patience developed?

If we ask ourselves the question are you patient? Most of us will say yes! But the truth is that when everything is going well for us, patience is easily exhibited, the true test comes when we are under pressure, when we are treated unfairly, when we are thinking someone is too slow to grasp a thing or we think people are taking advantage of us etc.

In 1Thessalonians 5:14 it says - And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.

Patience will reveal our faith in God’s timing. How do we react when things don’t happen to go the way we want it or expect? Do we start to think or have plan B, trying to help God along with His plans for us as it is happening too slow for our liking? Or not happening at all.

The word patience in the bible is an active word. Heb 12:1(KJV) “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” _

In this bible passage its speak about laying aside every situation that wants to weigh us down, and keep our eye fixed on the finished work on the cross, as Christian, we are no longer in bondage to natural responses because we are a new creature in Christ Jesus.

Hence as Christian we must run the race patiently by persevering, enduring through different situations, occurrences or difficulties in life, Patience is persevering toward a goal, expectantly waiting for a promised to be fulfilled.

As our bible passage in 2Peter 1v8 (KJV) for if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We must remember that His purpose is for us to grow, and these virtues abound in us, hence we will neither be barren or unfruitful.

Ingredients we need to grow in patience.

The Word of God

As believer, we are meant to support our lives with what the word of God says regarding patience, to value highly and pay close attention to the biblical interpretation of patience, there can be no growth as Christian without a deeper understanding of the spiritual realities, which can only be received with the help of the holy spirit and studying the word.

Jesus should be our model and example in all things and we can see He demonstrated patience and endured. Heb 12:2 9(KJV) “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Our life must reflect Christ in all situation we face in life

Prayer/Holy Spirit

Col 1:11 (KJV) being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.

To grow in patience, we need the Gods power, being in constant fellowship with the father through prayer, the Holy spirit, will help us to always know what God’s plan is for us concerning any situation and will direct the decision we take, if we yield to the leading of the Holy spirit.

Once we understand God’s will and plan for us, we will be strengthened and confident regardless of what we might be facing.

Prayer

I pray that the peace of the Lord will continually rain in us, that peace that surpasses all understanding will be ours in every situation we find ourselves. We ask the Lord help us see our self the way he see us and help us to grow in patience and perseverance as we put our hope in Him.

Thank God for always being there for us and comforting us in the times of waiting, and strengthened us. Lord our hope and trust will always be in you. Thank you for Jesus.

Sis Ibiyemi Fadeyi