Do You Know HOW TO WAIT? - Patience Will Be Rewarded

Patience Will Be Rewarded

We normally find waiting easier if we are convince that what we are waiting for  is worth the delay and that it really will come eventually.  In this regard, it is good to reflect on the fact that all sincere worshipers of God are waiting for the fulfillment of his magnificent promises found in the Bible.  For example, we are told  in a divinely inspired  psalm:  "The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it."  This promise was echoed by the apostle John when he said:  "He that does the will of God remains forever."  (Psalm 37:29; 1 John 2:17) Clearly, if we could live forever, waiting would not be a big problem.  But we are not living forever right now.  Is it even realistic to talk if everlasting life?

Before answering, consider that God created our first parents with the prospect of living forever.  It was only because they sinned that they lost that prospect for both themselves and their children-including us.  However, immediately after their sin, God announced his purpose to overturn the results of their disobedience.  He promised the coming of a "seed," who turned out to be Jesus Christ. -Genesis 3:15; Romans 5:18.

Whether we as individuals will benefit from the fulfillment of his promises is our decision to make.  To do so will  take patience.  In order to help us learn this kind of patience, the Bible encourages us to meditate on the example of a farmer.  He sows his seed and has no choice but to wait patiently-doing what he can to protect his crop-until it is time for the harvest.  Then his patience is rewarded, and he sees  the fruits of his labor.  (James 5:7)  The apostle Paul mentions another example of patience.  He reminds us of faithful men and women of old.  They were looking forward to the outworking of God's purposes, but they had to wait for God's appointed time.  Paul encourages us to imitate these, "who through faith and patience inherit the promises." -Hebrews 6:11, 12.

Yes, waiting is an unavoidable fact of life.  But it does not have to be  a constant source of distress.  For those who are awaiting the outworking of God's promises, it can be a source of joy.  They can fill the time spent waiting by cultivating a close relationship with God and doing works that demonstrate their faith.  And by prayer, study, and meditation, they can cultivate an unwavering confidence  that everything God has promised will happen in his due time. 

Next time: REFLECT THE MENTAL ATTITUDE OF CHRIST

The Watchtower, 2000