How many times, you being impatient, caused you to make the wrong decision in life? How many times has your impatience made you come to the wrong conclusion about someone or something? How many of you have turned away from the truth due to the lack of patience to wait to hear from Yeshua Jesus? These are not so much as questions, as they are more indictments to the followers of Christ. Every mistake or indiscriminate decision you have made, or the outcome you have experienced, came not always being tied to others or demonic influence. Why can’t we ever take full responsibility for the lack of patience and faith in Christ? To some, they may say that it was the circumstances that happened in life that caused them to be where they are today.
In the Word of God, in the book of Philippians 4:5-8:
5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
There are four attributes of the impatient mind that you should be on the look out for:
- Curiosity of the heart & mind
- Self awareness of one’s free will
- The willingness & openness to receive understanding from any source
- Letting down your guard to your mind & soul
Let’s turn to James 1:12-21:
12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.16Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.18Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.19Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
In my conclusion, even in the last days before His coming, we are to be patient.
Let’s read Luke 21:12-19:
12But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake.13And it shall turn to you for a testimony. 14Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: 15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.16And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.17And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake.18But there shall not an hair of your head perish. 19In your patience possess ye your souls.
I thank you all for taking the time out to hear me.