We all know that patience is a Christian virtue as it is intimately tied to our faith in God. Yet, for many of us, patience is a quality more admired than desired. Why do you think businesses came up with the concept of "Instant Noodles," "3-in-1 Coffee/Shampoo,"  "Fast Food Restaurants," etc? It is because we are living in an "Instant World," and we have to cope with today’s fast pace environment. How is this "instant mania" affecting our spiritual lives?  Do we expect "instant answers" from God when we pray for something?

The apostle Paul lists "patience" or "long suffering" as one of the fruits of the Spirit (c.f. Galatians 5:22). Patience in a biblical sense is not just a question of temperament; it is a way of training our inner spirit to persevere, as God requires us to wait and expect
Him to fulfill the promises found in His Word. As Christians, we are learning to take the long path.

Patience also means trusting in God. If we go forth in our own strength, we shall faint, and utterly fall; but setting our hearts and our hopes in the Lord, we shall be carried above all circumstances, and we are able to lay hold of the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus.

I see patience as faith being tested and that God is using this period of time to mould us into the person He wants us to be. The passage in Isaiah 40:31 speaks about those who wait upon God will soar on wings like eagles. God is ever gracious to all that come to him by faith in Christ, and blessed are those who persevered (c.f. James 5:11).

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." [Colossians 3:12]

May we be patient in our trials, sufferings and even waiting patiently for God to answer our heart's desire!

Indeed, God makes everything beautiful in His time (c.f. Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Grace and peace,
Elaine