THE CRY FOR HELP
Psalms 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
THE RESULT OF PATIENTLY WAITING FOR HIM.
Psalms 40:1 « To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. » I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
1. GOD IS THE GOD OF PATIENCE.
He is the author. We love most of the things he brings us, but when he brings us the opportunities to have patience, most people cringe.
A. GOD IS THE AUTHOR OF PATIENCE.
Romans 15:5-6 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
B. GOD WANTS US TO ALLOW PATIENCE TO HAVE IT’S COMPLETED WORK. DON’T LIMIT IT.
James 1:4-5 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
C. OUR TRIALS LEAD TO PATIENCE.
Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
2. WHAT DOES PATIENCE ACCOMPLISH THAT IS SO IMPORTANT ?
A. IT HELPS US FINISH THE RACE GOD CALLED US TO.
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
B. IT HELPS US ACCOMPLISH GOOD DEEDS. WE CANNOT DO THIS RIGHT IS WE ARE IMPATIENT WITH OTHERS.
Galatians 6:9-10 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
C. WITHOUT IT WE WILL NOT RECEIVE ALL THE PROMISES OF GOD. WE HAVE TO BE PATIENTLY WAITING. THIS IS EVIDENCE OF OUR FAITH.
Hebrews 6:12-15 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
D. THERE IS PATIENCE THAT LOOKS TO GOD AND SAYS, I AM COUNTING ON THE LORD TO BRING ME THROUGH. THEN, THERE IS A PATIENCE WHICH IS FATALISTIC, AND IT SAYS, “I CAN’T GET OUT OF THIS ANY OTHER WAY, SO I AM GOING TO HAVE TO ENDURE IT, AND ALONG THE WAY I WILL BECOME MORE PATIENT.”
3. PATIENCE HAS CHARACTER PARTNERS.
A. FAITH.
2 Thessalonians 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
B. GODLINESS.
2 Peter 1:6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
C. JOYFULNESS.
Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;