This first series, called the Deadly Series, will be a 7-week long journey where we will be discussing the 7 deadly sins that God finds detestable to his people. There will be one sin per week, with each sin we will talk about the Godly traits we will need to exhibit to combat the deadly one. Don’t worry, we will discuss these sins in grave detail as this series will be very informative, thought-provoking, and loaded with various bible scriptures to help support and back each discussion-based topic.
Within this series, viewers/ readers will have an opportunity to purchase original content worksheets to further enrich their knowledge and gain even more Golden Nuggets!
A Spirit of Patience
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
Before we dive into this topic let's first talk about what it means to be patient with a definition.
Patience: the capacity or ability to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.
-dictionary.com
Let's face it, we have all had those moments where we have said to someone "man you have more patience than I got," "man that takes patience," or "whatever you do don’t pray for patience." But why do we say these things? It's because we have been conditioned to do so by society. The world has conditioned so many of us so severely that just the thought of having to be patient for something is more than we can bear. We have been conditioned to want instant gratification in every aspect.
Instant gratification is the exact opposite of patience. Let's use food for example. So many are not willing to go through the process of finding a recipe, gathering the ingredients, prepping the ingredients, and then following the recipe to cook the meal. Instead, they will buy processed foods or will buy takeout because it's faster because it's more convenient. It’s more convenient and instant because the food is already cooked, all you have to do is go pick it up. For some, the drive-thru isn't instant enough so they get angry while waiting and then snap at the employee handling their food. Let me be the first to tell you convenience and instant gratification will kill you.
What do we sacrifice for convenience? Is it worth it?
Why Does God Love a Patient Person?
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.
Psalm 37:7-9
The truest test of patience is when things are not going the way we envisioned for them to go. It comes when things are going wrong all at the same time, or when we are made to wait for the things that we ask or pray for. Think about the times where you are at work against a deadline and the copier stops working, you are in traffic and are wanting to get home, your child is screaming bloody murder and refusing to go to sleep, and so on. In all of these instances, it can be so easy to give in to anger, take your frustrations out on others, or yell at your child. Patience would have you take a deep breath, pray to God and work through the situation calmly. Think about when you have been praying and praying day in and day out for something and God hasn’t answered your prayer yet, it can be so easy for you to turn your back on God, or become angered at him. Patience is waiting for his perfect timing.
And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
1 Thessalonians 5:14
God places a lot of value on a person who practices patience. When we are patient it demonstrates to God that we trust in HIS perfect timing. It shows that we are humble enough to allow him to do what he has planned, and we are willing to wait for his command. Patience is such a big deal to God that he considers it to be a fruit of the Holy Spirit that we should all have. [But the fruits of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23].
In today’s society, everything is so fast-paced and it is all about having that instant gratification that the idea of having to wait for anything is agonizing. We want everything fast that we neglect and are naive to realize that some things like spiritual growth and maturity, and God’s blessings take time. As a follower or disciples of Christ, we are guaranteed to have to endure various tests, trials, and tribulations that will be difficult to overcome and will require us to be patient and exercise our faith in God to get us through. Patience is not something that just comes instantly, in fact, patience is gained through God’s grace, power, and goodness. Check this scripture out [for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:3-4]
When those moments arise where you are faced with setbacks, think about how you will respond because God is watching, waiting, and listening. He is silently keeping tabs on what you are doing. So in those moments when you are stuck in traffic, your toddler has peed on themselves for the 158th time that day, or the copier is broken, make the conscious decision to praise and thank God that you are no longer tied to the natural response of impatience or anger because we were made new through Christ. Instead, remain steadfast and take refuge in the Lord’s strength, responding with patience trusting fully in God’s timing. [to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. Romans 2:7]
People In the Bible That Were Patient
The Bible is full of examples that we should follow to be more of what God has called us to be. God has allowed his people to endure so that we can learn from them, and know-how to apply it to our lives. Patience is a virtue, let's dive in and see who cultivated patience in the way that God saw fit.
Abraham
If you will turn in your bibles with me to [The Book of Genesis] we meet a man named Abraham who is married to a woman named Sarah. Now God came to Abraham when he was 75 years old and promised that he would have a child. Now Abraham knew that God would always honor his promises, and would never forsake him.
And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
Hebrew 6:15
Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.
Genesis 21:5
Abraham waited patiently for God to fulfill his promise because he knew that God would. While he waited he remained faithful and loyal. He lived his life according to God's will and gave all the glory and honor to God. Because of his patience, God blessed him with what his heart desired, a child.
Noah
To follow along with me turn in your bibles to [Genesis 6-9]. Noah was hand-picked by God when God saw just how corrupt the people on earth had become. God felt regret for creating people and sought to destroy all of mankind. [so the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created-and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground- for I regret that I have made them.” Genesis 6:7] Throughout Noah’s life he had been righteous and loyal to God, glorifying and praying to him continuously, which is why he was given God’s favor. God commanded Noah to build an ark that would hold and keep his family and every type of animal on earth from the punishment that God was about to unleash [Genesis 6:14-21].
Now Noah diligently, faithfully, and patiently worked on building the Ark that God commanded for approximately 120 years of his life. That’s a long time to be building something. This was done intentionally over such a long period of time to give the people a chance to change their lives, and give themselves to God. Noah and all of those that were on the Ark with him waited patiently for 40 days for the rain and flooding to pass. Once the flooding did pass Noah waited patiently for a sign that the waters had receded from the dry land. For Noah’s patience and faithfulness to God, he was blessed by God. [I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you- the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you- every living creature on earth. I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.” Genesis 9:9-11]
Reward for Patience
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts for the Lord's coming is near.
James 5:7-8
The reward that we gain from being patient and waiting on the Lord’s perfect timing is being close to him, and receiving the blessings that he is waiting to bestow upon us. We receive the eternal life that God has prepared for us in heaven.
Characteristics of Patience
Active Listeners
Patient people are excellent active listeners; they listen intently to hear the other person rather than listening to respond. They are empathetic to what the situation is and willing to help the person work through the situation. Patient people don't jump to conclusions, they will wait so that they can listen and gather all of the facts. Waiting patiently will allow them to make an informed decision. When asking for help they are quick to listen and will apply it in moderation. [Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; James 1:19]
Humility
Being humble is a huge part of being a patient person. A patient and humble person is willing to set their needs and wants aside to put someone else's before their own, knowing that they will have to wait to get to their own needs. Think about when you have children, your children's needs and wants will be met way before you even think of your own. In fact, many parents will wait until their children are grown and capable of caring for themselves before they even begin to think of themselves, their own wants and needs. Patient people realize that things take time. [With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, Ephesians 4:2]
Focused Goal Setters
Patient people are focused long-term goal setters. Being patient allows them to set goals that will take them a while to accomplish. They will take the time to plan, save, and budget to execute their goals. They remain focused on their goals while patiently working towards a finished product. They do not waste the time they have been given, they view time as a priceless commodity that should be handled with care and diligence. They don't waste their energy being angry, throwing tantrums, or being negative. [Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house. Proverbs 24:27]
Calm Waiters
Those who are patient do not mind waiting. They understand that everything happens in God's perfect timing. They don't get frustrated when things aren't going as fast as they think they should be. Patient people have the flexibility to go with the flow of things because they realize that situations happen that may derail their plans. [Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14]
Content
Patient people are content with what they have. If something new comes out, like technology or cars, they aren't pressed to run out and grab the newest thing smoking. They are willing to wait for it through self-discipline and self-control. The bible says that we should be content with what we have and not be envious over what we don't. [Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrew 13:5]
Peacemaker
Patient people are typically known as peacemakers or peacekeepers. They will do what they can to keep the peace. A synonym of patience is tolerance. When people are tolerant they are able to keep their calm and think more rationally. Learning the skill of peacemaking takes time. You first have to be considerate of other people, this includes waiting your turn, being kind, active listening, and so on. [Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9]
Positive
Those that are patient are generally very positive people. They are not stressed about the day or what is coming next because they know that God always provides no matter what. They view the glass as half full rather than half empty. They understand that waiting and being patient can be a good thing, so they view it as such. They look at the waiting period as a time for growth and expansion in God. They know how to cope in stressful situations and times because they know that with time it will all work out. [A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. Proverbs 15:13]
Moderation
Those who are patient do things in moderation. They don't do anything in excess. They realize that moderation is a process and process requires patience. They understand that things don't happen overnight. Think about when you start a weight loss journey. You wouldn't expect to see results the next day. You would have to be patient and keep working towards the weight loss goal before you can see the results you seek. [But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:25]
Shades of a Patient Person
God's timing is the best timing, there is no need to rush his perfect plan.
I don't mind waiting.
I know that this is just another trial that I am going through and I will patiently get through it because God is with me.
Good things come to those who wait.
I am happy that you got a promotion, I know that if I continue to work hard I can earn one too.
I want to open a business but I know that I have to do some planning first and some budgeting before I can start.
Hone in Your Patience ✅
Golden Nuggets I Leave you!
Hey Golden Dreamers, please remember that patience is something that we all should be diligently working towards. We are all patiently awaiting our time to meet with God, and hear him say well done. I encourage you to use this time while you are here on this earth to strengthen your patience muscle. Use this time while you are here to be kind to others, be humble, practice asceticism, think purely, do things in moderation, be thankful for what you have, and love unconditionally. God watches and listens to everything that we do. Remember he knows your heart, he knows what your truest intentions are.
Questions To Consider
Are you a patient person? Why or why not? Is it something you need to work on?
In your own opinion, what makes a person patient? Do they have the attributes listed in the post above?
Why do you think that God seeks people that are patient?
If God were to come right now and judge you solely on your level of patience, would he be pleased with you? Why or why not?