Waiting Patiently
“His wife said to him, ‘Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!’”
Job 2:9 NIV
A doctor friend told me a story of an “impatient patient“. It seems that one day one of his patients thought he’d waited too long to see him, so he got out of his chair, put his hands on his hips and shouted, “Who’s in charge here anyway?”
If we’re honest with ourselves, we’ll admit we’ve asked the same question. Life gets the best of us and we can become impatient with anyone and everyone.
The Bible is very specific about patience. In 1 Thessalonians 5:14 we read, “And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.“ (NIV)
Job was a patient man but, at this point in his experience, it seemed that the Lord had turned His back on him. This is why Job’s wife told him to “Curse God and die!”
The Bible, however, says that we should “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.“ (Romans 12:12 NIV)
It also says that God is patient with us, and if we’re patient, we’ll be rewarded.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.“ (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)
Job wisely answered his wife in Job 2:10, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (NIV) He believed that God was in charge, and that suffering and blessing alike came from His hand.
It’s easy to say “God is good” when life gives us blessings, but what do we say when our world falls apart? Fair weather Christians don’t honour the Lord when trouble comes their way. Instead they curse God, as Job’s wife suggested her husband do.
We also need to be reminded that the timing of God is perfect, and by patiently waiting on Him (and not grumbling or complaining about it), we’ll be rewarded.
“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!“ (James 5:7-8 NIV)
It seems that we “lose“ our patience with the ones we’re closest to, the ones we love the most. By seeking God’s will for our lives and trusting Him, we can develop patience. He’s always with us, and if we would only acknowledge Him, He’ll make our paths straight.
“We must run with patience, or we shall never obtain. There may be many things we cannot understand, much that the flesh could perhaps wish otherwise, but let us endure unto the end, and all shall be made clear, and God’s arrangements shall be proved best.“ J.C. Ryle