I Remember Patience

article by Paul Lipe

I REMEMBER, visiting in the home of one of the members of the church in Delhi where I was serving as pastor.  We were sitting in the kitchen, enjoying coffee and conversation, when I noticed a plaque hanging on the kitchen wall.  The words on the plaque grabbed my attention – they read: “God, make me patient; right now!” This plea for immediate patience is probably more common than one might expect.  Doubtless all of us could use an extra dose of patience, and the sooner, the better!

For instance, I have been experiencing the unwanted presence of a nemesis known as “arthritis.”  To cope with this hostile invasion of my body by this pernicious enemy of my “castle,” I have been taking some meds designed to deter the pain.  Needless to say, I was hoping for some immediate relief.  Unfortunately, my time schedule for success and that of the meds did not coincide.  Therefore, my patience is being tested and is not getting very high grades!

Since we are told in Hebrews 12:1 to “run with patience the race that is set before us,” one might think that the encouragement toward patience would be prevalent in the Scriptures.  Nevertheless, when I consulted my concordance, I was surprised at the limited times in which the word was listed.  I believe, of course, that if the Bible states a truth just one time, that is sufficient to establish its reliability.  Still, I was surprised by the limited number of references to patience in the Word.

Perhaps the Lord is using another tactic to teach us to be patient. Just think of the lapse of time between the first promise of the coming Messiah (cf. Genesis 3:15) and His actual appearance, recorded in the gospels.  That was a long wait – and likely one that would promote a degree of patience.

Similarly, consider how much time has elapsed since Jesus left this earth with the promise to return.  Since that time, the Christian church has waited, often without much evidence of patience, for His second coming.  As Easter approaches late this month, thoughts of Christ’s return will likely begin to occupy the minds of many of us.  And many will be inquiring, “How long, O Lord?  When will you comeback to gather your disciples and take us (them) to heaven?”

There are some reasons for the apparent impatience.  Our world has been plagued by all manner of things: death, illness, tears, sin, Satan, suffering, wars, hatred, pain, misery, etc. How wonderful it will be when all such will be banished and everything will be peace and harmony in Christ’s Kingdom.  I long for that day when all the effects of sin will be forever removed – and my longing is too often characterized by an impatience that wants results right now!

May the Lord forgive my impatience, but may He also hear our prayers, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus.” (Rev. 22:20)