Sound in Patience
Titus 2:2 (KJV) That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
Sound: to have sound health, be well; to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine); wholesome
Patience: cheerful or hopeful endurance; a patient, steadfast waiting for; endurance
Once again, God is allowing me to study a subject that I have trouble with. I am not known for my patience. I want things to happen the way I want, and I don't want to wait for them. We all have issues with patience. Why? Our flesh tells us "hurry up and give it to me" but God tells us "hurry up and wait." We have to learn to ignore our fleshly desires and wait on God.
Romans 8:24-25 (KJV) 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Hope is a constant expectation of an unseen reality. If we are expecting something unseen, we wait patiently and endure.
Galatians 6:9 (KJV) 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Be patient, keep doing good, and don't give up.
Romans 12:12 (KJV) 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Be patient in trials and be in constant prayer.
Romans 5:3-4 (KJV) 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
God uses trials to teach us patience. Learning patience gives us experience and experience creates hope.
Philippians 4:6 (KJV) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Don't worry about anything. Impatience causes us to have anxiety. Don't let yourself get upset. Slow down, calm down, and pray. Let your requests be known to God with thanksgiving. Thank Him for what He has done and what He is going to do.
Patience is so hard to accomplish! The anxiety that comes with is just not worth it. Patience is knowing and trusting that God will take care of you. Patience is having the strength to endure hard times because you know you will reap the rewards when God is ready. Patience is having the faith to say, "Ok God, I'm waiting on you. I'm ready when You're ready."
Patience is very important in leadership. It just may be one of the most important qualities for leadership. I was told a couple of weeks ago, that I will have the opportunity to move up the ladder to a different position at work. I have been so excited about it, that I CAN'T WAIT! It won't start for 4 more months! I have thought so much about it, that it's almost caused me to neglect my current duties this past week. Could this be why I am writing this article NOW when I should've wrote it 2 weeks ago? Hmmm.... God is good!!
I challenge you to put your faith in God and wait on Him concerning something that you're impatient about. Pray. Pray. Pray. Did I say pray? Yes? Well PRAY AGAIN! I promise you that you will have so much peace about your situation when you realize that God's in control and you don't have to worry. An awesome pastor once said, "God is never late, but seldom early."
Sneak Peek for Next Week: Have you ever jumped to conclusions before you know the facts? We look at what it means to be a false accuser and why you DON'T want to be one.
Becky Pritchett