In the New Testament there are two different words that are used for patience. The one that I see most is the Greek word for “long suffering”. I think we’ve all been there. We suffer a long time, with people, health issues, disappointing delays and such. And that is even the kind of patience that is a fruit of our connection with the Holy Spirit. We are given the power and strength to suffer a long time…usually with people! But there is another word that is used in the next to the last chapter of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Roman church. Paul is talking about us waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled…in history but in our own lives too. This describes waiting too…but it is a cheerful or hopeful endurance. It is about persistence but also about constancy and faithfulness and loyalty and trustworthiness. There are promises that are in the Bible that you are waiting for and promises that you feel God has made to you personally. We are able to wait as we read the scriptures, and they give us hope and encouragement as we wait for God’s perfect timing for our lives. So do two things while you are waiting for God to act. First read your Bible! It will encourage your heart and bolster your hope. And second, ask God to reassure your heart that he knows how hard it is to just wait out the hours or days or even years before you see his work. And to remind you that he has a purpose that we cannot yet see. And then you can be patient, not in the “suffering a long-time” sense…but to live with hope and encouragement for that day that will come. Don’t give up…because you are waiting for the one who loves you more than anyone does or can. Here’s our Bible verse for today…
Romans 15:4-5 NLT Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. (5) May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ
Romans 15:4-5 NLT Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. (5) May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ