What the Bible Teaches Us About Patience
I am the first to admit that I don't like to wait.
Whether I'm behind someone going under the speed limit, or my Amazon order says it will take three days to arrive even though it's Prime, I know that patience is not my greatest strength...yet.
In Galatians 5:22-23 we learn that one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is patience, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law" (ESV). So, if the Holy Spirit dwells within me, then ideally, I should be seeing all of these different fruits manifested in my life regularly. For the most part, I can see many of the fruits, but I know that in this season, God is growing the fruit of patience.
The Bible is full of men and women of God who responded beautifully with patience, and I have been learning from them. There have been three things I have taken away from their testimonies, and I want to encourage you with them today.
1. Accept Delay
In 1 Samuel 1:9-18, we read about Hannah's surrender to the Lord and her submission to His plan and His will, while she was in a time of waiting for a child. She accepted the delay and was faithful to the Lord in the waiting. Accepting that not everything in this life will be instantaneous, and delay is part of our Christian walk, helps us to keep perspective.
2. Actively Wait
We often see waiting as something stagnant and passive. However, it is the complete opposite. What God does in us during the waiting is just as important as what we are waiting for. Patience flows out of a place of maturity, and when we wait actively in our season, we take a position of faith.
3. Anticipate Hope
I have often caught myself losing hope while waiting for something. While in this place, I have been reminded by the Father that I am not waiting on a thing, circumstance, or person. I wait on only One...Jesus! When you feel impatience stirring, remember David's words in Psalm 27:14, written before becoming King: "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" (ESV).
Meet the Author
Allicia Bankuti
Allicia Bankuti lives in Westport, Ontario and has been serving full-time with an inner healing ministry for 12 years. After walking a journey of healing and restoration in her own life, Allicia realized she was dissatisfied with what the world had to offer and gave up her dream of being in advertising to pursue God full time in ministry. Allicia’s heart is to see people of all ages passionately run after God and to see His love and healing reach a broken world. When she isn’t teaching or ministering, Allicia can be found watching cheesy Hallmark films (seriously, the cheesier the better), photographing weddings or on a basketball court with her wonderful boyfriend and his two amazing boys.
