THE FRUIT OF PATIENCE
"8 Then he waited seven days, according to the time set by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from him. 9 So Saul said, “Bring a burnt offering and peace offerings here to me.” And he offered the burnt offering. 10 Now it happened, as soon as he had finished presenting the burnt offering, that Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might greet him. 11 And Samuel said, “What have you done?” Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered together at Michmash, 12 then I said, ‘The Philistines will now come down on me at Gilgal, and I have not made supplication to the Lord.’ Therefore I felt compelled, and offered a burnt offering.” 1 Samuel 13:8-14.
After Saul became the first King of Israel, there was peace in the land. But it was short-lived! Now the Philistines threaten the nation of Israel. So he chose an army of three thousand strong men and another one thousand men under the command of Jonathan. Jonathan and his men attacked a unit of the Philistines army in Geba. When the leaders of the Philistines heard of it, they brought a great army to attack Israel. The army they brought was a very large and powerful one. It consisted of 30,000 chariots, 6000 horsemen, and people that were as the sand of the sea. When the people saw the great force of the enemy they ran and hid themselves while others fled to another country. But King Saul remained in Gilgal. In other to defeat the Philistines army the nation needed the help of God. Hence Samuel was called! The prophet gave Saul a command to wait for seven days. The sun rose on the seventh day, and still there was no Samuel. As soon as the seventh day was over, the King grew impatient and offered the sacrifice on his own. He didn’t wait long enough. Saul gave up only minutes too soon. Little did he know prophet Samuel was just around the corner. The result of Saul’s impatience was that his reign would come to an end and another person would be chosen to replace him.
What a big lesson for us today! Are you in a period of waiting? Are you facing a Philistine-like problem? Is your anxiety driving you to the point of despair? Saul shows us that the solution to a time of waiting is not to be impatient or to go ahead of God. The solution to a Philistine-like crisis is not to undertake some rash, foolish action without consulting and waiting to hear God first. If we are not careful we'll make the same mistakes that Saul made. Our choices have consequences! Impatience will always leads to mistakes. When pressure weighs heavily on you, turn the problem over to God. Trust Him, and let Him guide and rescue you from what seems hopeless. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” Proverbs 3:5. We can enjoy God’s leading and blessings as we patiently wait on Him. "Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all." 1 Thessalonians 5:14. We that are called children of God are instructed to be patient at all times. “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,” 2 Timothy 2:24.
Impatience is a fruit of unbelief! Our patience in the times of trouble often reveals the degree of trust we have in God. "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass." Psalm 37:7. Patience is to persevere under difficult circumstances. Its the ability to trust and wait on God in times of challenges. Paul proclaimed in Romans 8:25 “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Patience is the power to endure suffering without complaining. Its the ability to control your emotion when being criticized. Patience is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry. Its the ability to manifest wisdom in a tense situation. Patience is waiting for God's perfect time without complaining. Its an inner attitude that helps us to be calm rather than irritated while we wait for God's leading. Patience is persevering in the face of delay or provocation. The Strong s Exhaustive Concordance defines patience as cheerful endurance. It means to continue doing good, to persevere in adversity, to stay steady in a hostile environment, and to maintain your focus. Romans 12:12. Patience is endurance without murmuring. Patience with God is the ability to trust and wait on Him in seasons of difficulties. So be patient! God's delay is not a denial.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness," Galatians 5:22. The Greek word for patience can be translated as endurance, perseverance, or long-suffering. Long-suffering can also mean 'slow to anger'. It is often used to describe God’s patience with us. Since God can patiently wait for us, it is possible for us to be patient with each other, as well as to be patient in the midst of stressful situations. We can do this as we let the fruit of the Spirit, of which patience is a part, manifest itself in our lives. When we are patient, we leave room for God to work in our lives. In the times of waiting we lay down our plans and schedules in other to trust in God. The time of waiting allows us to endure painful situations, while maintaining our integrity. As we wait on the Lord, we wait patiently without compromising our values and faith. Its waiting without grumbling, complaining, and bitterness. So we should desire this blessed fruit of the Holy Spirit.
RESULTS OF PATIENCE?
So, what then is the reward of patience with God? What are the consequences of being patient with others?
1. Patience strengthens your faith. Abraham, during his 25 years wait for a child, ".... did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God." Romans 4:20.
2. Patience enables us to be more like Christ.
3. It transforms our relationships. Patience is a tool in overcoming frustration. It allows us to suspend judgment long enough to make informed decisions, thus paving the way to happy and peaceful relationships.
4. Patience helps us to have the insight to think about other people and their happiness.
5. Even if you're talented, you cannot succeed if you do not dedicate time and effort to master it.
6. Patience helps us to build compassion. We're able to clearly understand the feelings of others.
7. It is what prevents you from crossing over from calmness into raging anger.
8. Patience creates a better work environment because it prevents unnecessary arguments and strife.
9. You will have peace of mind! Impatience often leads to anger, stress, frustration, desperation and depression.
10. Patience often produces physical blessings.
11. It produces fewer hasty words and hurt feelings.
12. Studies has shown that patient people are more happier.
13. Patience helps us to achieve our goals. It keeps us from quitting or giving up when things get tough.
14. It is linked to good health. On the other hand, impatient people have more health complications.
15. Finally, patience helps us to keep your confidence in God and His promises.
HOW TO DEVELOP THE FRUIT OF PATIENCE:
1. Be rooted in Christ.
"As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving." Colossians 2:6-7.
Patience is one of the fruits of the Spirit, and you cannot bear a fruit of the Spirit if your root is not in the Lord. Roots provide stability and strength to keep a tree planted firmly in the soil. Likewise a connection with Christ is a necessity if we are to bear spiritual fruit. Only those who are deeply rooted will withstand the storms of life. Rooted people have a deep source of spiritual nourishment. They are like a tree, planted by the streams of water which bears its fruit in season. Rooted people are always joyful regardless of the circumstances. Are you rooted in Christ? Be born again. Walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:18-24. Seek His presence daily. Be rooted.
2. Avoid distraction; stay focused.
The Dictionary definition of distraction is to "be pulled in different directions." Distraction is anything that takes you away from your purpose or goal. Its anything that come to stop you from being all that the Lord has destined for you to be. Stay focused! Stay focused on God. Stay focused on your relationship with Jesus. Forget what is behind. Focus on where you want to be. Stay focused on the Word of God. Stay focused on your divine assignment. Focus on prayer. Focus on praise and worship. Focus on faith in God. Stay focused on heaven.
3. Have faith in God.
"that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." Hebrews 6:12. Are there things that you've prayed for, by faith, that have not yet manifested? Patiently wait for it to manifest. Don’t let the delay discourage you. Wait for God's timing! Hebrews 10:36. Patience is the proof of faith. It is the force that keeps you from giving up. Your faith in God will always require a time of patience.
4. Feed on the Word of God.
Spend time in God’s Word. You'll find strength, hope, love, peace, and joy. In the Bible you'll find God's promises of healing, deliverance, provision, and instructions. As you spend time reading the Bible you'll gain wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Study and meditate on the Word of God. Use it to pray. Start today.
5. Pray always.
Start each day with prayers. Ephesians 6:18. Your daily prayer will invite God into your life and helps to establish a deeper relationship with Him. Your faith will grow stronger as you take your burdens to God.
6. Think before speaking.
There is an old saying that "fools rush in where angels fear to tread." A person who jumps to conclusions is likely going to end up miserable. Think before you speak. Angry words, written or spoken, can be regretted but never undone. So delay your response. Take a few moments to collect your thoughts before saying anything. State your concerns clearly. Do not be provoked to say something you'll later regret. Proverbs 15:1-2.
7. Look for ways to help others.
Most times impatience is rooted in selfishness. So many times it has caused hurt to our loved ones. We sometimes act rashly or force our agenda and our timing on others only to look back and see the pain we've caused. So ask for God's help. Spend time praying for others rather than exaggerating their faults. Stop focusing on mistakes. Focus on forgiveness. Don’t be too judgmental! Everyone has a story. Listen! Hear their stories before spreading it and judging them. Reach out to those in need. Love is patient. To show your love is to be patient. 1 Corinthians 13:4. Be principled. Being patient doesn't mean you're a weak or immoral person.
"7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. 11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful." James 5:7-11.
If you knew that Jesus was coming back today what would you do? Would you be asking the Lord for forgiveness, showing love or kindness? Would you be telling those who didn’t know Him that He was coming? This is how we ought to be living our lives every day, as though Jesus may return at any moment. We should live every day as though it were our last day because it could be. This world is not our home! We're Heaven bound and the Lord has gone ahead of us to prepare a place for us. He'll definitely return to take us there! John 14:1-3. As we awaits the coming of the Lord Jesus, we're to live holy, godly and uncompromising. 1 John 3:3.
If you want to begin a relationship with God, simply say this prayer from your heart: “Lord God, I come to You today. I know I’m a sinner and I cannot save myself. I acknowledge that I am a sinner who needs Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the Cross to save me and He resurrected on the third day. I confess Jesus as my Lord and Saviour and surrender my life to Him today. I invite Jesus into my heart today. By this prayer, I know I’m saved. Thank you Jesus for saving me and making me a child of God.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Thank You, Lord, for being patient with me! Help me to reflect Your patience to others, in Jesus name.
2. Holy Spirit, help me daily to manifest the fruit of patience You are producing in me, in Jesus name.
3. Father, I know that You are not slow in keeping Your promises! Help me to wait patiently, in Jesus name.
4. O Lord, give me the grace to be patient, in Jesus name.
5. Thank You, Lord, for answering my prayers.
