0861. The Secret of Patience

The Secret of Patience

"Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness" (Col_1:11).

1. There is a very striking command in the Bible concerning patience: "The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be patient unto all men" (2Ti_2:24).

2. There is a definite call in the Word of God: "Follow after * * patience" (1Ti_6:11).

3. There is a strong commission in the Word of God: To your faith add patience (see 2Pe_1:6).

When we read such passages as the three above, our hearts cry out, "O Lord, what is the secret by which we may have the patience Thou dost command?" It is not natural to our flesh. Time and time again we have promised that we would endure, but somehow we have yielded to the evil that is within. Surely we need some help. Where can we find it?

The key verse answers the query: "Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness." Here is the key that unlocks the storehouse. Here is the secret that solves the mystery of patience. It is not a patience which we ourselves can exert. It is a patience that is found in God. It is He Who must strengthen us with a might that is all-mighty, with a power that is all-glorious before we can have patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.

Patience is not the fruit of the flesh; but, the "fruit of the Spirit is * * patience" (Gal_5:22). Let us then fall prone upon our face and seek our supply from God by the Spirit. "May the Lord direct our hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ."

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR