Patience

1 Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love.

Patience in today’s society of immediate satisfaction is a lost word and quality. It has been lost at the touch of a button on keyboards; it has been lost at the selfishness that expediency has brought. In our minds patience has become antiquated, and sadly we have come to believe that in many ways of God. Why can He not deliver on our timetable? Patience is a quality and lesson that God has really been at work on me. I am as guilty or worse in that arena or lack of it. I feel as though I am sitting precariously atop of a wall, ready to leap, and God says sit still and wait on me. If I leap without His consent, most likely it will be a painful fall.

“Testing of your faith” is found only in these two verses in the Bible. The term is used in the purification process of refining coins through the melting off of the impurities. A silversmith is asked how can he tell when the silver has reached purity and he replies that it is easy, for he can see his reflection in it. As Christ tests and purifies you, removing those impurities, He seeks to see His reflection in you also. This is the hard part for this is where patience comes in. Websters defines Patience – bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint, steadfast. James 1:4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Know that God is doing a work in your life through whatever you are facing now. All you are facing now can be used to draw you closer to God, and to draw glory to God through the trial. He is the silversmith stoking the fire to heat the impurities so that he can take them out of your life. He is taking His time and doing it right, for He is wanting to see the reflection of His Son in you. Seek Him and praise Him for the work He is allowing in your life, for you will be a better person and closer to Him as a result of the patience you gained during the process. Patience is a virtue and a Godly character that exemplifies a life abiding in Christ.