“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”
1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)
The one thing that will equip us for life at every level and increase our capacity to achieve, is patience. We are to develop this quality, as we wait with a good, joyful and positive attitude.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)
We are to be overcomers by instilling the above three great qualities into our life:
- Work produced by faith
- Labour prompted by love
- Endurance (patience) inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
Patience is developed as hope is expanded. Hope never fails.
“The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.”
Lamentations 3:25-26 (NKJV)
Christ is with us in the middle of the storm and we will get to the other side.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
James 1:2-4 (NKJV)
God is increasing our capacity to cope with life as we move forward with perseverance as we face trials in life.
Mistakes in life can come through impatience or when we act hastily. (Isaiah 28:16) So, we are not to rush through life but walk slowly, always seeking God’s guidance. As we develop patience, it increases our capacity and leads us to be bigger and better people.
Joseph had a dream as a young man, that he would be a great leader and ruler. But it took many years and trials and periods of waiting, before that dream came to pass. The visions that God places in our hearts excites us, but it could take time for them to come to fruition. It is in that in-between time, that we are to be transformed and character is to be developed in our lives.
Even though Abraham and his wife Sarah were very advanced in age, he believed by faith that God would bless him with descendants. (Romans 4:18) What God promises, He is able to perform. (Romans 4:19-21)
“For there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its tender shoots will not cease. Though its root may grow old in the earth, and its stump may die in the ground, yet at the scent of water it will bud and bring forth branches like a plant.”
Job 14: 7-9 (NKJV)
Even in this challenging season, it can sometimes feel like our dreams may have died. There may be job loses, a business facing a challenge, loss of a family home or sickness in the family etc. But we are to hold unto our faith and hope in God, for at the scent of the Holy Spirit, rivers of living water will revive and refresh us in due season.
When we face trials and challenges, we are to rise up with hope and patience. Praying, believing and nourishing our spirit in the promises of God so that we may be catapulted to a new level of victory and abundant life in Christ.
SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT
- In this current season, what are some challenges you are facing? Or what are some dreams that God has placed on your heart that are yet to come to fruition?
- Discuss/share about some encouraging scriptures that you hold onto during this time.
- As a next step, what are some character qualities that we can develop or grow in, as we wait on God?
- During this challenging season, who has God placed in your heart to pray for and share the hope of Christ with?
