Patience: December 2, 2011

DECEMBER 2 2011. TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2011.

PATIENCE

DEFINITION:

Endurance of pain or provocation without complaint; the ability and willingness to wait calmly; quiet and steady perseverance.

SCRIPTURE:

Now we exhort you brethren, be patient with all. I Thessalonians 5:14.

But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. I Peter 2:20.

Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. Romans 12:12.

But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Many people miss out on blessings in their lives because they are inpatient and unwilling to wait for His timing. The scriptures encourage believers to be patient but most of us want answers today.

A good example in the scripture for patience is David. He chose not to use violence to take the throne that he knew would someday be his. King Saul had become envious of David’s success in battle and his popularity with the people so he planned to murder the young man. Twice, it was recorded in the scriptures, that David was close enough to kill King Saul during the time Saul and his men were pursuing David to kill him.

The first time David cut off a piece of Saul’s robe. On the second occasion David took Saul’s spear and water jug while he was sleeping. Although David had a reason to kill Saul to keep from being killed himself and he had the opportunity he knew it was right to patiently endure and not kill the Lord’s anointed. In both instances he was willing to wait for God’s timing and not take matters into his own hands.

David was patient. His attributes included having a strong faith and he believed that God would gain His victory at the right place, the right time and with the right method. David had values that helped him wait on God. Killing a King would violate his conscience and he did not want to be out of the will of God.

In real life we encounter frustrations and situations such as the slow driver, a mischievous child or an uncooperative co-worker. We may feel like lashing out but God wants us to exercise patience. (I Thessalonians 5:14 above)

As God’s children we are called to live a life worthy of Him characterized by humility, gentleness and patience. (Ephesians 4:1-3) The scripture tells us to be tolerant with one another and to do this we need to be patient. We are to bear one another’s burdens and respond with kindness. In Romans 12:12, above, Paul tells us to be joyful in hope and patient in affliction. When we quietly endure our suffering or frustrations, we find favor with the Lord. (I Peter 2:20)

When you are frustrated with the waiting upon God for a direction or an answer, always seek His wisdom and remember that “those who wait upon the Lord will gain new strength.” (Isaiah 40:31 above)

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Revelation 3:20.

“Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

PRAYER:

May Your Holy Spirit conform me to Your image by developing in me patience. Help me to learn to wait upon You and give me the direction I need to share this need with my family. Help us as a family to learn that a calm demeanor in times of frustration and concern can be a powerful witness to the transforming work of God in our lives.