THE NEED FOR PATIENCE
2 Peter 1:5-8
Patience is a great virtue. It is listed among the nine character traits we must add to our faith.
An average dictionary would describe patience as the capability to accept or tolerate delay, problems or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. This definition however, does little justice to the word patience when looked at from biblical perspective. It goes beyond enduring suffering. It is a major pillar to one’s survival and eventual triumphs as a Christian. If you read the above scripture further, you will find out that patience, is one of the things that “make” a believer “For if these things be in you, they make you. . . 2 Peter 1:8. If you want to be made, let patience be a major character trait in your life. It will not only “make” you, it is the anti-dote to barrenness and a major pre-requisite for fruitfulness.
Reading further, the Word says: he who lacks patience (among other things) is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins” (verse 9). In other words, patience helps your vision to crystalize and enables you to understand and enjoy the major benefits of your salvation. Beloved, let patience be a priority in your life. It involves waiting and endurance. It also talks about understanding the principles of life. Things do not just arrive suddenly. No. They have to go through a process. If you plant your seeds today, it does not germinate and start producing same day. No. Depending on the seed, it may take a few days, months or even years for it to yield. The expected fruit of patience is the connecting rod between planting and harvest. If you lack it, you will lose the harvest.
In the journey of destiny, you need patience; without it you will crash-land. People with patience are usually imbued with long term thinking. It may not have happened, it may delay, but I will wait. It produces inner strength to keep going even when it looks stupid to continue.
MEDITATION: The patient dog eats the fattest bone.
