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PATIENCE ...

I need patience …. and I want it N O W !

If there is one characteristic of our modern society, and its mad-cap ways, it would have to be this one … a general lack of patience. A recent common label for this generation was the N O W Generation ! Did it all start with instant coffee, then increase to drive- through take-aways, to instant dispensers of every type and commodity … the retail world and its now common “open 24 / 7 trading hours” all is geared for that word convenience, and instant gratification.
And then there's the monster problem of the Western World … DEBT – dont wait until you can afford it – buy it NOW ... borrow what you need … mortgage the future … don't save and then spend as in former eras. Leverage is the new financial maxim !

So, when did patience die, or did it just quietly pass away as it was replaced by the increasing pace of life in the fast lane, and its accompanying blights of stress, pressure, self-indulgence and self-seeking ! The advertising world's barrage of spiel raises expectations ... TV, radio and the media bombards us constantly, there is no escape from its intrusions as every medium of communication intrudes and is used to influence us.
And then there's the internet and social media

There used to be a common ditty that I haven't heard or read for so long ...
Patience is a virtue possess it if you can
'tis often found in women but seldom in a man !

Maybe surprisingly, Scripture has quite a lot to say about patience …

In these end times, Jesus said … by your patience possess your souls Luke 21:19

and the Bible even gives the secret of how patience is gained ...
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation / trouble produces patience / perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3 Now that gives another meaning to the tribulations of life that we encounter along the way … we are indebted to them for working patience in us … wow

knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. James 1:3

so there's no easy short-cut to gaining patience … none at all, just quiet endurance and perseverance. Sorry, but if there was another way many would have found it by now !
just ask Corrie Ten Boom … or the prophets - my brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.
or Job … whenever we think we've got problems ! … Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the patience / perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord -- that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. James 5:10,11

or farmers at the mercy of the elements and nature … Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. James 5 : 7, 8

St Paul knew all about it … Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all patience / perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds. 2 Corinthians 12:12

And as the years pass by and our physical attributes tend to decline and fade, another form of attack appears on our patience … our time left is diminishing, and our ability to handle life and our necessities wanes, everything seems to take longer and is more difficult … and so we have to slow down and take more time to do things … and our need for a bigger dose of patience and forbearing is required ! Oh, that patience was available on prescription from the Pharmacy, then I would try to be first in the queue !

that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience;
the older women likewise Titus 2:2,3

As often attributed to Darwin … It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.

So ... change is here to stay
and … the only thing constant is change !

Welcome to the human race, and its frailties, and the need to adapt, and exercise more p a t i e n c e … to go against and withstand the pressure of the world and society

For you have need of patience / endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise Hebrews 10:36

Incidentally, the ancient card game called patience I have found actually helps considerably ... and it's on the internet ! I find that it helps my brain to tick over – the “Use it or Lose it” principle again !

A long-time favourite passage of mine seems to sum it all up …

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with patience / endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Hebrews 12 : 1-3