They say patience is a virtue. In my place, there are some car stickers that have a funny writing on it, which goes somewhere along the lines of, "I want patience, and I want it right now."
In a fast-paced world complete with instant products like instant mashed potatoes, instant coffee and instant noodles, many are likely to have the same thinking as that sticker conveys.
Yet, patience is still a virtue, a fruit of the Holy Spirit, and a character necessary to the Christian life.
The benefits of patience
The Bible says patience works so that we "may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (see James 1:4). Through patience, our character grows to be like that of Christ, whose patience has led to our salvation (see 2 Peter 3:15). Patience also enables us to receive blessings (see 1 Samuel). But while the benefits of patience are great, the cost of having it is quite high as well. Are you willing to let patience bear fruit in you?
Here's how you can get patience real fast.
1. Be willing to go through tough times.
As they say, "no pain, no gain." You have to be willing to put up with some discomfort. Patience is defined as "the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset." While it is indeed very convenient if we won't have to wait for what we are hoping for, being patient actually gives us more than what we expect (see Romans 5:1-5).
James 1:2-4 tells us, "My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations, knowing that the trying of your faith develops patience. But let patience perfect its work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
2. Relax. Patience takes time.
God surely takes His time with His plans, so it's best to surrender everything to Him and relax. Wait for Him to fulfill what He promised (see Habakkuk 2:3).
2 Peter 3:8-9 tells us, "But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."
3. Remember how patient Christ is with us without complaint.
When you're tempted to complain and be bitter towards God because of discomfort and pain, realise that Christ went through it all to save you and make the way for you to be reconciled with the Father. He did so without complaining, and without even just the shadow of doubt (see Isaiah 53; Hebrews 12:2).
