Patience? Or Folly?

Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. (Proverbs 14:29)

Did you hear the story about the man who went to his doctor to be tested for patience and the results came back negative? Those who know me best will tell you that I am that man far more often than I would care to admit. There seems to be nothing harder to do than to wait on God’s perfect timing in our imperfect lives.

Impatience is harmful in so many ways. It harms us physically. It harms us emotionally. It harms us mentally. And it harms us spiritually. Every relationship in our lives is negatively impacted by our impatience. Our Scripture verse for today show us how impatience can turn into the folly of man-centered, unrighteous, sinful anger. Yet there is great hope for all of us who struggle with impatience.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Patience from a biblical perspective bears up under a burden and remains steadfast in the midst of trying and difficult circumstances. Patience is the power to live totally surrendered to the will of God, especially when His will makes no sense to us. And this power is given to us by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The patient person keeps focused on Christ, not his or her circumstances. The patient person lives in the light of eternity, knowing that God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him. The patient person leaves room for God to work in His way, in His time, and for His ultimate glory. In others words, the patient person lets God be God!

Is your life marked by patience or folly? Remember, patience does not come naturally to us. We are impatient by sinful nature, both vertically with God and horizontally with the people in our lives . . . even with ourselves. That is why we must keep Jesus on the throne of our lives, allowing Him to work His will in His way and in His timing, knowing that He who began a good work in us will one day bring it to completion.

The popular saying, “Patience is a virtue” is true. Whatever you might be facing today that is testing your patience, take it to Jesus and He will give you everything you need to bear up under it with freedom, joy, and faithfulness to Him.

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!