“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come …” (2 Peter 3:8-10a). 

In this series of Chaplain’s Corners, we are focusing on the communicable attributes of God, those attributes we can share with God because we are made in His image. One of those attributes is patience, as described in the following passage: “But for that very reason I (Paul) was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:16). 

We as Americans are not known for our patience. In fact, patience might even be seen as a flaw in the extremely aggressive world of business where results often demanded immediately, or else! Give me patience and give it to me NOW!!!

We have all felt this way at one time or another, especially when waiting in line.

However, we know that patience is for our own well-being as well as others. It helps us with our expectations, our blood pressure, and saves us from unhealthy relationship mistakes. There are several synonyms for “patience” in the Bible: longsuffering, forbearing, steadfast, waiting, slow to anger. We can learn much from God about patience because patience is one of His attributes; one for which we should all be most grateful! “And rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster” (Joel 2:13). 

In these passages and examples, what we see is that patience is concerned with the element of time. “God is not slow about His promise” and “God is slow to anger.” In actuality, God is neither slow nor not slow, but right on time. God’s timing is perfect, and we should accept that “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

When we demonstrate patience as humans, we are also showing our trust in God and our appreciation for His timing and grace; and we are extending that same trust and grace to others of His creation. And when we demonstrate impatience, we are typically showing distrust and ungraciousness. So, the question becomes, what do we do to be productively patient. After all, anyone can just wait. But do you wait in fear for what the doctor might have to say about your diagnosis and prognosis? Or do you wait while tapping your foot or drumming your fingers, huffing, and puffing with an obvious show of dissatisfaction for having this disruption to your own personal schedule? What good does that really do anyone. (Is it obvious that I am talking to myself, now?)

So how can we learn and practice patience?

1. Trust God. He is sovereign—all knowing and all powerful. He alone can see the entire situation, He alone already knows the best outcome, and He alone desires what is best for all parties.
2. Gain perspective. I received exceptionally good advice many years ago. I was eagerly wanting to move up in my career and had been promised a promotional opportunity that was slow in coming about. When I impatiently complained, I was told that the time I was having to wait was like the blink of an eye in my overall career. And he was right. We do need to try to have the perspective of time. These next few minutes or days/weeks we are waiting are minimal in comparison to our lifetime or eternity.
3. Reframe the situation. Rather than seeing the waiting as an interruption, inconvenience, or negative, instead see how you can positively use the time to pray, to check on a friend, study, or just relax and rest.
4. Challenge yourself. Rather than showing your impatience and frustration, demonstrate kindness and graciousness to those around you. You will be rewarded.

“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” (Lamentations 3:25-26).

In Christ,

Judy