Most times, we exhibit patience when things are going the way we want them to. The actual trial of patience comes when our rights are broken. We are quick to get upset in times of difficulty and frustration. Impatience appears to be like holy anger. However, the Bible points out patience as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, which should be demonstrated by all followers of Christ (Gal. 5:22). Patience uncovers our faith in God.
As the world is filled with trials and temptations, we are likely to lose patience with our fellow humans and our problems. We should pray for patience as it makes us see the bright side in every situation, action, and occasion in our lives. It can help us learn lessons that we wouldn’t have if we made different decisions in the past. Praying for patience allows us to develop tolerance, unite with God, and find our inner peace and patience. We should remember that patience is not just a value but a tool that will improve us in all aspects of our lives.
What Does the Bible Say About Patience?
Patience is perseverance regarding our ambition, experiencing struggles, and hopefully waiting for our prayers to be answered. We don’t develop patience overnight. We need God’s power and strength to possess patience. Col. 1:11 states that He strengthens us to “great endurance and patience. We are also made to know that the trials we face are his way of perfecting our patience James 1:3-4.
In the Bible, we see those whose patience defined their walk with God. James 5:10 made us see the prophets as an example of patience in their point of suffering. He also referred to Job, whose patience was rewarded. Abraham waited patiently and awarded what was promised (Heb. 6:15). Jesus Christ is one we should look up to in all things. He demonstrated patience and endurance: he endured the pain of being crucified but still sat down at the right hand of God.
Sometimes, we pass through difficult moments to attest to God’s grace. Other times, we face trials for the consecration of character. God’s purpose and glory are for our growth and will assist us with our problems. We make references to his promises as in Romans 8:28, which states that “In all things, God works for the good of those who love him.” The “all things” involves things that test our patience.
Why You Should Pray for Patience
Most people avoid praying from patience because they feel it might lead to trials, which the Bible says brings about patience. Paul said in Romans 5:3 that “And not only so, but we rejoice in tribulations also being aware that tribulations worketh patience.” If we are to glory in tribulations that bring patience because of the fruit they yield in our lives, then we should not be afraid to ask God for this beautiful feature (patience) we ought to have.
Even when God answers our prayers, we still face more difficulties, but he makes our problems more effective. We shouldn’t wait till we are facing troubles or situations that we can’t handle before we pray for patience. Praying for patience always will help us address any problem we encounter properly.
Patience builds us for living in the kingdom of Christ while the virtue of the kingdom of this world takes part for our fidelity and even when the other choices seem to proffer more effective solutions to life’s challenges. Patience lets us work with people and events over a long time, having faith that the future to which God is directing history is worth investing in, so go ahead and pray for patience.
Lessons on Patience in the Bible
- Patience is desired to reap rewards
The first lesson from the Bible on patience is that it is desired to reap the rewards afterwards. Galatians 6:9 tells us that we shouldn’t be tired of doing good, for at the right time, we shall reap a harvest if we do not quit. This verse shows a time to reap, but we are impatient to get there. Most times, when we do things, we lack patience in waiting for the reward. We want to receive the benefits instantly. It is an issue of instant gratification.
In life, we can’t get the rewards we want immediately. We have to observe patience to achieve the best results. For example, if you sow a seed but keep uprooting it to see if it is growing, then you’ll never get the best results from the tree. That said, don’t quit so quickly because you aren’t getting the results of your work. In Galatians 6:9, the Bible made us know that there is no right time to reap what we’ve sown, but we only yield great results when we are patient and not giving up too quickly.
- Patience is required to obtain heavenly rewards
The utmost area in which we must exhibit patience to reap the rewards is our service in this life. You may be in a situation where you are always productive in the ministry, and while you get some joy from time to time, it would feel like you’re not attaining anything from your labour. The things we do bring us the ultimate reward from God but requires patience.
After patiently going through all sorts of persecution, for God’s sake, at the finish of his ministry, Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearance.” Just like Paul’s reward, there are awards in store for those who hold on to the faith.
- Be patient when experiencing trials
In the Bible, we also learn to be patient when experiencing trials. “Rejoice in our hope. Have patience in trouble, and be consistent in prayers (Rom 12:12). We all go through trials in life, and while they are not delightful, the Bible made us know that we should patiently bear them. We need patience to go through trials, and Romans 5:4 tells us that endurance builds strength of character, and character gives power to our hope of salvation.
Having patience when experiencing trials makes us become better people. Each time we patiently go through trials, we develop more patience. As we all know, Job went through many trials in the Bible. He lost his children, including his animals, at no fault; still, he didn’t curse God as his wife asked him to do. John 16:33 Jesus said, “In this world, you will face troubles.” Hence, we can avoid trouble; the best we can do is to go through them, getting better with each one patiently.
Conclusion
Should you pray for patience? Yes, you should pray for patience, as it is one of the virtues of Christ.
God doesn’t put us through trials to test us, but he does so to teach us to walk and trust in him. If we are patient, we will be drawn to God through worship and prayers. Patience means that we’ll rely on God’s own time. When we wait for God’s time, we can pay close attention to him and spend more quality time with him.
