Hello, dear reader and friend, it is such a privilege to have you read one of my letters once again.
Today is the first day of the rest of the year. The intro has come and gone. The wait is finally over, and it is time for the main action. I have come to notice that there is a method to the length and feel of January. January is more like those last few seconds (that never want to end) backstage when you are being introduced to come up for the main act. The moment you have always waited for. It could be a fresh start in a school, a new home, a new business venture or job, a new relationship, and probably a new resolution to achieve one of these or end one of these. January has been the time for me to review my lines and memorise my parts for the Grand 2024 Act.
However, the truth of the matter is that every time the stage is set for that grand performance or that fiery competition, the cheering and jeering that awaits us on the opposite side of the curtain provokes us to want to hit the ground running (in President Tinubu’s voice). This is important because a nonchalant approach to life projects is totally unacceptable.
However, most times, we have so much adrenaline that we run past our shadows. We over-rev. We slowly begin to notice that our planned time might not align with life’s plan. The things we planned to see happen according to our scheme of work begin to drag and delay. We feel like we are running out of time and begin to grow weary and impatient. We start rushing to fear-induced conclusions.
This year has undoubtedly been marked by great happenings, especially in the body of Christ. However, we need to realize that one of the grandest virtues we can exhibit this year is patience.
God’s timing is his timing.
For example, even though he has said to Abraham that in his seed will all the nations of the earth be blessed, he had to exercise one of the greatest forms of patience ever recorded in the Bible before he even got a biological child talkless of a spiritual seed.
I believe we must accept this early enough that, as much as this year is the year of manifestation for many, this will also be the year a seed of greatness is planted in many others.
God is a God of speed, but we should beware of hurry and intolerance. If you get an avenue to show forth, by all means, show forth, but if you receive a seed to nurture, please don’t let it die out of impatience.
Patience is a virtue, and there are four ways in which it must be manifested this year:
Waiting for the kingdom of God
Waiting for good things
Tolerating bad behaviour or humans in general
Enduring hardship
Waiting for the kingdom of God
One standout expression of patience is long-suffering. This is so because our time here is not favourable to our spirit. This present world assists the flesh to thrive. We have to wait patiently for his appearance. We cannot lose hope and give in to worldly temptations.
Our bodies are like tents that we live in here on earth. But when these tents are destroyed, we know that God will give each of us a place to live. These homes will not be buildings someone has made, but they are in heaven and will last forever. While we are here on earth, we sigh because we want to live in that heavenly home. We want to put it on like clothes and not be naked. These tents we now live in are like a heavy burden, and we groan. But we don't do this just because we want to leave these bodies that will die. It is because we want to change them for bodies that will never die. 2 Corinthians 5:1–8 CEV
Waiting for good things
The amplified version defines patience as a virtue not expressed by the act of waiting but by the action carried out while waiting.
While waiting on God for good things, do these:
Keep your faith alive
Remain thankful
Never lose your joy
Tolerating flawed behaviour or humans in general
The NIV translates it as forbearance. One significant reason we must forbear is that everybody takes time to heal.
Titus 3:3 in the Christian Bible's New Testament says, "For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others, and hating one another.”
An even temper and tolerance (AMPC) will help us relate to people’s insufficiency and, in that way, discover better ways to help them.
Proverbs 14:29 says, "Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly"
Enduring hardship
Endurance (TPT), willingness to stick with things (MSG), and long-suffering (KJV).
Tough times never last, tough people do
-Robert Schuller
One of the best ways to endure hardship is to expect it. Not out of fear but as a necessity for better times. Not acknowledging this fact is like running a hurdle race without expecting hurdles or playing an arcade game without expecting challenges.
Let patience have her perfect work in your life this year.
See you on the next one, blessing!