PATIENCE IS NOT AN ENEMY OF FAITH

James 1:4 KJV 

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Dear Believer,

One virtue many are not interested in today is patience. I know a woman who changed her name from Patience to Faith because she concluded that patience was a virtue that wouldn’t get her what she wanted In life quickly enough. She believed that if she changed her name to Faith, she would receive answers to her prayers speedily since, according to her, “Faith does it in the now”!

It is understandable that we want to see quick results, but certain things just don’t happen instantly. By natural and divine law, we are bound to respect time and wait some things out.

For example, no matter how great a married couples’ faith is, the wife must still carry their pregnancy for nine months. You won’t get pregnant today and give birth tomorrow because you are a great man of faith.

Also, growth takes time. Whether you like it or not, you won’t become a mature individual physically or spiritually overnight. You must work with time and grow with time.

James 1:4 is telling us to let patience conclude her work  in our life. Patience is not the characteristic of lazy people; it is a fruit of the Spirit. That means anyone who has the Holy Spirit should expect the Spirit to manifest patience in them.

A Believer who is never patient about anything, or who hasn’t learnt to let God work in Him will get himself into problems again and again. 

Many Believers don’t realize that faith works together with patience. Jesus said when you pray, believe that you have received what you prayed for, and you SHALL HAVE them. (Mark 11:24).

We see here that receiving what you prayed for is different from having them. What then happens between receiving and having?

Patience it is. 

This ain’t indolent patience. It is the kind of patience that is full of faith and keeps thanking God in the face of contrary situations.

Here’s what the Bible says about faith and patience:

Hebrews 6:12 KJV 

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Patience is what makes you calm in the face of severe opposition. You know God cannot fail you. You know time isn’t passing you by, but God is using the time to your advantage.  You aren’t agitated like many are. 

Remember: faith and patience work together. And you shall obtain the promise!

Have a great day.

Your friend,

Deon.

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