If there is one thing that has been a major constitutor to the nuisance going on in the world, it is impatience. Two drivers are arguing on the road because one of the two has bashed the other’s car. He was in a bid to overtake the next person and then ran into problems. Youngsters are now pilfering and participating in all manner of crimes just to have “cash at hand” because “how long will I live on this meagre salary?” and the list could go and on.

I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been impatient over one thing or the other at one particular point in time. Before I cite an example of impatience, I would like to explain what patience stands for. Patience is not just your ability to wait but also your attitude while waiting. However, waiting is not really an evaluation of our patience. Waiting through discomfort, waiting when it’s not convenient, waiting when it is not easy is a true test of patience. Patience is our ability to endure an inconvenience without complaining…for this reason, patience and endurance can be used interchangeably. So yes, you have been impatient while waiting in line for your turn at the supermarket by tapping your feet anxiously and sighing every extra minute you spend there.

Looking at things from a spiritual point of view, we see just how much Jesus Christ reflects patience. He is patient with us. He came and died for our sins so many years ago yet He has waited up until now for as many that will decide to receive that forgiveness. This is evident in His dealings with the Pharisees. These people were evidently frustrating yet He reprimanded them patiently, pointing out their wrongdoings, giving them the benefit of doubt that one day, they’d recognize their mistakes. Sometimes, we disregard God’s grace over us but He still remains patient for us hoping that one day, we’d get serious with Him, hoping that one day, we’d acknowledge the magnanimity of His sacrifice before it’s too late.

When we stay patient on God, we tell Him that we depend on Him solely. Seeking alternative routes or trying to complete the dots without involving God in the matter, will most likely lead to regret. When God holds back on that one thing we ask Him, we should trust His judgement and remember that He alone knows the future and He tells us that His thoughts towards us are of good and to bring us to an assured end (Jeremiah 29:11). Learning to stay still and remain patient would save us from avoidable wrong decisions, running ahead of God and walking out of His purposeful plan for our lives.

It would only be hypocritical of me to speak of patience as something that is easy to have or at least maintain. It is not easy to wait for what seems like forever. If we’re being honest with ourselves, we know that we get tired at some times. Waiting isn’t exactly the most interesting thing to do. Nevertheless, we are reassured by the word of God that if we do not give in, at the right time, we will reap. The bible assures us that so long as we put our hope in the Lord, our strength will be renewed. There is a crown of life awarded to the one who is able to remain steadfast, patient, to endure till the very end. Is it impossible to stay patient when it does not seem as if things are getting any better? Yes, by our own power it is very impossible but by the power of God, it is extremely possible to stay patient because with God, all things are possible. (Matthew 17:20; Isaiah 40:29-31; Galatians 6:9; James 1:12)

As Christians, exhibiting patience is a sure way to reflect Jesus in our lives. It’s not easy watching your mates have it quick while you keep waiting but waiting for God’s time is always the best choice to make. The true test of our patience will be in these perilous times when we would be persecuted for our stance in Christ but to him that overcomes, to him who endures and is patient, a crown of life shall be given. In a world filled with so many vices inspired by impatience, in a world of impatience and impatient people, be that shining light that stands out, reflecting the patience that our Lord Jesus Christ expects of us as His siblings. (Galatians 5:22; Revelations 3:21)