Consider a man, named Brian who is looking for a good job? Since Brian has asked God about it, and since it is His will, then it is as certain as certain can be that a good job will be his. The question then is, when? At this point, patience comes into the equation. Patience has three main duties to accomplish. I call it “The Triple Threat”. It is to:

1. Prove
2. To humble
3. And to Prepare

And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee and to prove to thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep His commandments, or no. – Deuteronomy. 8:2.

If Brian gives up after a year’s wait, it shows that his strength level is small. If He stops waiting and instead settles for a bad job, it shows his faith level is deficient.

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.  Proverbs 24:10

Because Brian waited for the job, he will appreciate it when it is secured. He will also be very humble about it. This would be proof that patience has completed its work of perfecting Brian. If patience doesn’t complete its work, then Brian’s job will most likely rule and ruin him. His job will most likely turn him away from the very God who gave him the ability to become.

Consider the man Noah, who went ahead and built an ark, at God’s command, irrespective of the fact that there was no scientific evidence that it would rain. It wasn’t heard of, at the time that mere water could destroy the earth. Amidst the mockery, Noah had heard God, and that was all that mattered. God said it, that settles it. It took a while, but it happened. Water destroyed the earth but Noah and his family were saved.

Patience is acknowledging that God’s timing is the best. Even when you know you can implement and impose your own timing, rather you yield to the timing of God. Patience is not giving up after a try didn’t succeed. It is getting back up, dusting YOU and trying again. Patience does not mean sit still, fold your arms and sing Que sera sera – “If it will be, it will be”. No, there is always going to be work to be done on your part, but don’t interfere with the work patience is accomplishing in proving you, in humbling you, and in preparing you for all God has in store for you.

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting  nothing – James 1:4

Question: Have you had to exercise patience lately? Tell us about it if you are so inclined.