what is patience?

"Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." James 5:7-8

The second grade class was discussing a story with Mrs. B. when Jimmy blurted out a question, "What is patience?"  Did he really not know?? Had he never been told to be patient or to wait?  

Reflecting on our high tech, electronic world,  i quickly concluded his question was valid.  In this get-it-now, instant gratification, no-wait for anything age we find ourselves in a dangerous position.  We want what we want when we want it... now. The JOY and HOPE and THRILL of anticipating something  is diminishing.  To wait for something, actually anything, can cause discomfort, anxiety and even anger.  

Numerous times while checking out a book for a student, another walks up announcing he is ready to check out or wants my help.  Without flinching i'll reply, "you'll have to wait for your turn."  And then comes the sigh and possible eye roll. Waiting, not a word or action that is happily accepted, but it is necessary.

So, Jimmy, to answer your question, what is patience, i have 2 answers.

1.  According to the dictionary, it is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. (not a fun answer... but)

2.  According to God, living in the manner described above leads to peace and His blessings. (now, THIS is my desire)

It seems to me, it is critical we not eliminate our ability to wait with grace but to develop and grow it.  God mandates and repeatedly tells us in His Word of the benefits and need for us to WAIT...

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him..." Psalm 37:7

"A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel." Proverbs 15:18

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  Philippians 4:6

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."  Ephesians 4:2

"The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." Lamentations 3:25-26

"Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him." Isaiah 30:18

"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

I wonder, if we start practicing patience and learning to wait with grace, how much more of God and His blessings will we experience?

So, you see, i was not sick but had an ulterior motive of postponing a devotion for a few days. I HOPE you found His Word and message worth waiting for today... and every day.  In patience we can hear our breath, feel His touch and anticipate with JOY.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal