Have you found yourself waiting for something to happen in your life? Maybe you’re waiting for a new job opportunity, or you’re waiting to get engaged. Perhaps you’re waiting for a big adjustment to start to feel normal, or for more peace in your life. Romans 8:25 says, “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” (ESV) Patience is defined as “the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.” It can be difficult to be patient, especially when we’ve already been waiting a long time. 2 Peter 3:8 reminds us: “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.” (NIV) God does not operate on our schedule. He knows better than us, and His timing is always perfect. Don’t dismay if you find yourself waiting for something to happen. God knows just the right time to bring it to pass.
The Bible tells us to, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12 ESV) It’s so important to exercise this fruit of the spirit – patience – because it grows our faith in the Lord. We can be patient in many things, from waiting in line at the grocery store to showing grace to our family and friends. No matter what is trying our patience, we can always go to the Lord in prayer. We can ask for a healthy dose of patience and the hope to go along with it. God is faithful. 2 Chronicles 15:7 says, “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” (NIV) The hard work of having patience will be recognized and rewarded by our Heavenly Father who watches over us all. So do your best to be filled with patience and wait upon the Lord. You’ll be glad you did!
But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Romans 8:25