Patience is a virtue that’s important in our interactions with others and walk with God. God is a God of patience (Psalm 103:8), and as His sons and daughters, we must practice this virtue as well, even in our prayer lives.
The word, Patience, is derived from the Greek word, hupomone, which means steadfastness, constancy, and endurance. It also means, remaining faithful despite trials and sufferings.
Many scriptures in the Bible highlight the importance of patience in our walk with God, and one of them is Abraham’s wait for Isaac. After initially receiving the promise of a son from God when he was childless, Abraham had to wait till he was 100 years old before that promise was fulfilled. Hebrews 6:15 says about Abraham’s endurance, “And so, after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.”
“Each week we sit under the word of God together, opening our selves not primarily to information, but to transformation.”
James 1:2-4
Trials and Temptations
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Also, God could have easily let Joseph out from the pit in which his brothers had thrown him, and sent him home. But He allowed Joseph to be sold into Egypt so that he would be a blessing to his people, more than a decade later (Genesis 37:5-36; 39,
20-23; 41:14-44). Likewise, Jesus had to endure the agony of the crucifixion so that we can enjoy salvation today.
In our fellowship with God, we sometimes have to wait longer than expected to see the physical manifestations of answers to prayers. At such times, we may begin to assume that our prayers aren’t being heard or perhaps it just isn’t God’s will, but Psalm 84:11 tells us that God will not withhold anything good from us.
He also said in Jeremiah 32:27, “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is there anything too hard for me?” Hence, waiting to receive answers to prayers is not a sign of the limitations of God’s power.
Why God makes us wait
James 1:2-4 gives us insight as to why we may have to be patient to see answers to our prayers. It says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” This shows that God can make us wait in order to build our faith. Faith in God means trusting that He hears our prayers, and we’ll will receive answers to them just as He has promised.We may also need to wait for God’s timing. Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” It also goes on to say in verse 11, that God “has made everything beautiful in its time.”
This confirms that God not only knows what’s best for us, He also knows when the perfect time is for us to receive from Him.
Drawing strength while we wait
You may feel like the reservoir of your faith and strength to keep on praying is depleting the longer God seems to be silent about your petitions. At such times, the best place for a refuel is in His own Word. 2Corinthians 12:7-10, Romans 8:18-28, and Romans 12:12 are great passages to read when you’re struggling with patience.Also, Galatians 5:22 lists patience as part of the Fruit of the Spirit. So, having the Holy Spirit is having the Spirit of endurance as well. It is not a virtue you need to receive, it’s already in you. So, nurture it and let it grow.
Conclusion
Perhaps you’ve been praying for a while now for healing, a new job, a spouse, or other desires but it seems like God is taking forever to answer. Don’t give up, don’t lose faith or be discouraged. Stand firm in God, trusting that He will fulfil His promises in your life, and at the best time, too. “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the lord.” –Psalm 27:14.
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