No one that I know volunteers for suffering? And while many I know willingly obey the Lord and make the choice to serve Him daily, not one of them enjoy the trials they face. And even the strongest Christian will be consumed with thoughts of “what if?” Sure, once they come to terms with eternity, they are able make a strong stand that serves as a testimony to other Christians, the onlookers, and even their enemies. But all of us have at one point or another has wished we could wish away our suffering.
While on the surface longsuffering is interpreted as patience, there is a deeper meaning to the word. We ascertain from the Greek word, MAKROTHUMI, the following definition: “a state of emotional calm in the face of provocation or misfortune and without complaint or irritation. In a number of languages patience is expressed idiomatically, for example, ‘to remain seated in one’s heart’ or ‘to keep one’s heart from jumping’ or ‘to have a waiting heart.’”[1]
Patience really is a virtue, and learning to relax and not be so uptight is key to bearing this fruit of the Spirit.
Think about our fast-paced society. We have drive-through restaurants, cleaners, and pharmacies. I even read about a drive-through funeral home as well as a drive-in church. This mentality of always being on the run is only serving to run people down… or off… You must learn to calm down and be still, and know that He is God.[2]
Patience might even be a lost virtue. This drive-through mentality causes us to think we can race into church, rush through our prayer and worship, time the preacher and hope he ends before 11:30 so we can hurry through the altar call and then speed down to the buffet so we can wait in line and fellowship with our friends, lingering long after the meal is finished. Oh if we would only change this around.
Imagine if we were to really “wait on the Lord” and instead of seeking to be entertained, decided to entertain Him? I wonder what would happen if more people were to get the attitude of Jacob: “I’m staying here until I get my blessing?”[3]
Daniel chose to keep patiently praying and eventually the answer came. It was twenty-one days later, but it came.[4] What if Daniel would have given up after fourteen days? What if he would have stopped after twenty days? You can learn from Daniel the art of patiently praying.
Joshua is an example of lingering with the Lord. He and Moses entered the Tabernacle to pray and seek the Lord; however, when Moses left, the Bible tells that Joshua did not depart from the Tabernacle.[5] I’ve often wondered what compelled him to linger. Maybe he knew God was going to call him to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land and he wanted to get some extra prayer in. Maybe Joshua just liked what he felt and didn’t want to return to reality too quickly. Learn to linger with the Lord. Learn to wait on Him and hear His voice.
The unfortunate reality is that too many want a five-star meal on a dollar menu budget. As I’m typing this chapter at our kitchen table, my mom (who lives with us) has returned from the grocery store and has started cooking a pot roast. She added onions, carrots, and other vegetables, and the aroma is causing my stomach to growl. I am certainly looking forward to supper tonight! Now, I could stop typing, drive to Burger King® and order from their dollar menu and eat a lot quicker; however, it would not only be cheaper, it would taste cheaper too!
Don’t rush God. Don’t allow a microwave mentality strip you of a crock pot blessing. I wonder what would happen if people would pray just a little longer in the altar? What if they are getting up too soon? Like Elijah, maybe they’re thinking that God is in the fierce wind, earthquake, and fire when in reality He wants to speak in His still small voice.[6]
Slow down. In my years of driving, I’ve been pulled over a few times by the police and every time for speeding. Each time the officer says, among other things, “Sir, please slow down.” God says, “Calm down and learn that I am God.”[7]
His answer may not come in your time, and it may not even be the answer that you want – it might be “no.” But, if you learn to linger, you will experience Him in ways you haven’t before. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.[8]
Longsuffering is actually a characteristic of God Almighty! He is longsuffering, abundant in goodness and truth.[9] The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression.[10] He is a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.[11] By the way, these three previous references are all from the Old Testament. You know – the part of the Bible that’s supposed to be full of “LAW” and judgment.
God’s mercy will come to an end on Judgment Day, but until then, there appears to be a limitless supply of grace. God is longsuffering. Now, this does not give anyone a license to sin. Those that sin willfully repudiate the sacrifice for their sins and may limit God’s mercy to them.[12]
You too should be longsuffering to others, just as God has been to you. Those that preach His word are instructed to reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering.[13] This means that the preacher needs to take his time explaining the gospel of Jesus Christ. Never assume that someone “knows the story.” Even saints who teach Bible studies and facilitate small groups need to teach with longsuffering.
To all believers, you are called to “put on some things” among which is longsuffering:
- Bowels of mercy (compassion)
- Kindness
- Humbleness of mind (not thinking too high of yourself)
- Meekness
- Longsuffering
- Forbearing one another
- Forgiving one another (as Christ forgave you)[14]
For those who are thinking they cannot fulfill the above list, let me remind you of the essence of chapter one – being implanted with the seed of God’s word becoming a new creature in Christ Jesus. So, you can fulfill the list through Him and by Him.
[1] Greek-English Lexicon Based on Semantic Domain (#3115)
[2] Psalm 46:10
[3] Genesis 32:26
[4] Daniel 10:12-13
[5] Exodus 33:11
[6] 1 Kings 19:11-12
[7] Psalm 46:10 (Contemporary English Version)
[8] Isaiah 40:31
[9] Exodus 34:6
[10] Numbers 14:18
[11] Psalm 86:15
[12] Hebrews 10:26
[13] 2 Timothy 4:2
[14] Colossians 3:12-13
