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Covenant Love Discipleship Lesson 16 - BUILDING ON A SOLID FOUNDATION OF GODLY CHARACTER PART FIVE – PATIENCE by Samuel Jeanrenaud
“Add to your faith patience….” (II Peter 1:5-6)
Someone once prayed, “Oh, Lord, please give me the patience I need and do hurry up about it.”
Recently a person was driving a vehicle that stalled at a stoplight. He cranked and cranked but just could not get his vehicle started. Finally, the light turned green and many horns were blasting out for him to move his car. He kept on trying, but to no avail. Finally, he got out of his car and went to the person driving behind him, who had joined in the horn honking. He motioned for him to roll down his window. Then he said, “I’m sorry, I seem to have difficulty starting my car. Would you mind going to my car and try to start it, and I’ll take your place and blow your horn.”
Definition of “patience” – An ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance in waiting; quiet perseverance, even-tempered care; composure, stability, self-possession, submissiveness; Adjective – bearing misfortune, provocation, annoyance, delay, hardship, pain, etc., with fortitude and calm and without complaint, anger, or the like. Quietly persevering or diligent, especially in detail or exactness, having or showing the capacity for endurance.
James 1:3 says, “Count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations, knowing the trial of your faith works patience.”
A Story: A young man visited an aged Christian and asked him to pray that he might become more patient. He was shocked at the brother’s response. When the two knelt together, the aged saint began to pray. “Lord, send this young man a bunch of problems. Give him tribulation in the morning and send him tribulation in the afternoon.”
The young man nudged the elder, saying, “No, I don’t want tribulation. I asked for patience.” “But,” said the wise old Christian, “It is tribulation that works patience. If you would know patience, then you must have tribulation.” (Romans 5:3)
When should I be patient?
1. When circumstances are out of control. James 5:7-12 “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.” 2. When people are unchangeable. 3. When problems are unexplainable.
Why should I be patient?
1. God is in control. James 5:8 “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” 2. God rewards patience. James 5:11 “As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered.” 3. God is working all things out. James 5:11b “You have heard of Job’s perseverance, and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”
What am I supposed to be doing while I am waiting on God?
1. Wait expectantly. We demonstrate our expectation by our preparation. Preparing demonstrates expectation. 2. Wait quietly. “Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged.” James 5:9 Don’t swear (v. 12). “Above all, my brothers, don’t swear.” 3. Wait confidently. When the outlook is bad, try the upward look. Micah 7:7 “I will wait confidently for God.”
H.O.P.E. is Holding On Praying Expectantly
Nothing is above God’s power, and His purpose for my life is greater than the problem I’m experiencing right now.
CONCLUSION:
Biblical examples:
Abraham – waiting 25 years for the promised son Helen Keller said, “We could never learn to be brave and patient if there was only joy in the world.”
John Quincy Adams said, “Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.”
Colossians 3:12, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
Job 23:10, “But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.”
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