It’s one thing to read my Bible. It’s another to read with the intention of applying what I’m reading. Today, let’s look at embracing the promise of patience. Sometimes when I read my Bible, I focus on three key elements: commands, promises, and affirmations. One verse that profoundly resonates with me is Isaiah 40:31:
“But those who wait on 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.”
This powerful scripture contains four points, all related to the promise of patience:
- Renewed Strength: God promises to replenish our energy when we trust in Him.
- Soaring Like Eagles: We will rise above our circumstances with His help.
- Running Without Weariness: He empowers us to continue moving forward, no matter the obstacles.
- Walking Without Fainting: We can maintain our pace in life’s journey, grounded in faith.
Understanding the Promises of Patience
How often have we heard or read that verse? How often have we believed the verse? How often have we read that verse as a promise of patience? Would you like to learn how to nurture this belief? The answer is simple, saturate yourself in Scripture. The more we read the Bible, the better we understand God’s nature and learn His character. As we grow in deeper knowledge of Him, and begin to nurture a relationship with Him, we learn to trust Him.
Consider Psalm 37:7, which states, “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way.” This verse reassures us that waiting on the Lord is an active engagement, a rest rooted in confidence that He is at work in our lives. (Here’s a different translation, “Quiet your heart in his presence and wait patiently for YAHWEH. And don’t think for a moment that the wicked, in their prosperity, are better off than you.”)
A recent study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that individuals who engage in regular scripture reading report higher levels of patience and resilience in their daily lives. Of course, we don’t need science to back up the Scriptures, but it’s awesome when it does! The repeated thought is that our patience grows as we lean into God’s timing rather than our own.
The Importance of Scripture in Building Trust
Think about the situations in your life where you’ve tried to control the outcome. How did it work out for you? Probably not as you expected. I’ll let you in on something I teach my Life Coaching clients; the ONLY thing you can control in this life is your thoughts. You cannot control anyone or anything else.
Getting back to the reflection mentioned above. Reflect on moments when you wished for immediate results. How often were you actually grateful that things didn’t go as planned? What happened when you “allowed” God’s perfect timing instead?
Cultivating Courage Through Patience
A common misconception about patience is that it means merely waiting idly for God to orchestrate our lives. This notion couldn’t be further from the truth! Patience is an active practice, requiring trust, prayer, and engagement with God. Practicing patience requires us to use our “patience” muscle which often leads to discomfort. Patience can be compared to a muscle. Just as we strengthen our physical muscles through resistance, our spiritual patience grows through trials and challenges. The more we engage with our faith, the stronger we become.
As we actively wait on the Lord, we can turn to James 1:2-4 for guidance: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (Another translation reads, “My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance. And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.”)
The journey of patience is transformative. And that’s why you’re here; something needs to change, something needs to be transformed. And I am so proud of you! It takes courage to lean into God’s will, to start working your patience muscle, and to allow the Lord to shape your path!
A Call to Action
I know you feel weary, uncertain, or overwhelmed. I know you’re not sure where to start or how to tap into your patience muscle. I also know you are ready for Life Coaching!
As your Christian Life Coach, I am here to help you as your guide. Sign up for a free 30-minute discovery call today, and together we can discover how to cultivate patience and trust in God’s perfect timing.
Let me walk with you on your path as you learn to transform your challenging moments into opportunities for growth! You’re not alone; I’ve gone first down this path and I know how to guide you!
Scripture References:
Isaiah 40:31
Psalm 37:7
James 1:2-4
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