Better Not Ask for Patience

The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. – 2 Peter 3:9 (CSB) 

Have you ever heard well-meaning friends say, “Don’t ask for patience, or God will give you trials to teach you.” My husband doesn’t have a lot of long-suffering for trying situations. When I urge him to have patience, he loves to respond with, “If I wanted patients, I’d have been a doctor!” It’s funny and softens the tension, but truth is, we all need to have patience with each other. We are taught in church to search ourselves for areas we need growth.

Patience is often one of those areas. It’s no different than asking for help with any other shortcoming. God is patient with us, and He wants us to be patient with each other. Second Timothy 2:24-25 teaches us, The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth. 

It’s easier to ask God to help us be patient when we realize that the obtaining of patience yields blessings. Learning to have patience in all things is spiritual maturity. I’m not there yet, and my husband still isn’t a doctor, but we are growing in the Lord. Every time we put our faith in Him and trust He will meet our needs in His perfect time, we grow a little more.

Don’t be afraid to ask God’s help with being patient. He doesn’t punish us for asking for guidance. He loves us, and the Bible assures us He has patience with us. So we need to reflect that patience is just like light through a prism. 

Questions for Reflection:

1. What areas try your patience most?

2. Can you ask God to help you deal with the irritation better?

3. Take pride in making little improvements. 

4. Think of ways God has been patient with you, and give Him praise.

5. Take joy in growing in Christ.