Faith Produces Patience

To fully understand patience, we must understand what faith is. Faith is not a mystical feeling or having goosebumps run up and down the back of your neck.

James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (NKJ)

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see. (NKJ)

In the Greek, the word assurance means substance, confidence, support or foundation – properly, (to possess) standing under a guaranteed agreement (“title-deed”). Standing upon true reality as opposed to the way things appear. (mirages and optical illusions)

2 Corinthains 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. (NKJ)

Let us look at the word “hope.” This is not just wishful thinking or base on superstition like tossing a coin into a fountain or “wishing well.” Hope literally means, “when asking expecting to receive.” Hope must be based on what God has said or else it is superstition.

Romans 8:24-25 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. (NKJ)

Perseverance = cheerful endurance — doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success (waiting).
When we allow ourselves to be anxious, impatient, frustrated, agitated, or nervous, we are not walking in faith and we forfeit our peace.

Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (NKJ)

Sin is the default condition of no faith.

Romans 14:23b …for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. (KJV)

James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. (NKJ)

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that God is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. (NKJ)

One key ingredient of faith is humility.

James 4:6-7 But He gives more grace. Therefore, He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (NKJ)

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of yourself less.” C.S. Lewis
Sadness comes when we don’t get what we want. But joy overpowers sadness when we are humbly grateful for what we have.
Patience doesn’t mean to allow people, circumstances, or even the devil to walk all over you. Patience means to be constantly constant or to be the same way all the time, regardless of what happens. It is descriptive of unwavering, unchanging, unrelenting faith in God. Not that He will do what “I” want, but that His plan for my life is going to be worked out because I trust Him.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. (NKJ)

Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. (NKJ)

Proverbs 19:21 Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail. (NKJ)

This does not mean we don’t have a choice or role to play. Choosing to be grateful will bring God’s plan into your life.

Psalm 37:23- The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey. 24 Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand. (Berean)

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (NKJ)

No one enjoys trials, testings, or tribulations. It is your choice if they will make you better or bitter. Trials are unavoidable. The way we respond is a result of our faith.