God’s Patience
When learning about the character of God, patience is not one of the attributes that first comes to mind. Most people speak about God being faithful, holy, good, and loving. And He is all of those things. Part of the reason why God is faithful, holy, good, and loving is due to His patient character. He is good and loving because He shows patience before taking just action. God understands that He is the one who is faithful and holy, and we aren’t, therefore, He is patient with us. God’s patience is the reason why He gives us so many chances to turn to Him. Let’s look in the Bible for reference.
In the book of Jeremiah, God gave the Israelites many warnings to follow Him, or there would be destruction and slavery due to their actions. Since they don’t listen, the Lord states in Jeremiah 11:12, “they..will go and cry to the gods to whom they make offerings, but they cannot save them in the time of their trouble.” God leaves them to try it their way since they have not listened to His warnings. Mind you, God does this knowing that it will not work out their way and that He has a plan for them. Later, the Lord says in Jeremiah 12:15, “and after I have plucked them up, I will again have compassion on them, and I will bring them again each to his heritage and each to his land.” So, after God corrects them, He will “again have compassion on them.” If this doesn’t show His patience and mercy, I don’t know what does! God is so patient with His people, that He will continue to work on them, trying to partner with them, so that they can enjoy blessings through Him.
God is patient with us in each stage of growth!
In Jeremiah chapter thirty-three, the Lord promises peace. In verses eight to nine, the Lord promises, “I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me. And this city shall be to me a name of joy, praise, and a glory before all the nations of the earth who shall hear of all the good that I do for them. They shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide for it.” God promises to cleanse them from their sinful ways, prosper them, and use them for good and His glory! These verses portray how He is a loving and faithful God who keeps His word. It also illustrates how He is holy and good by bringing His people back to Him, since He knows what is best for them.
In all these situations, we can not forget the patience God has with His people. All God want us to do is obey what He instructs for us to do and where He calls us to go. Therefore, He is patient with us, realizing He is the only one who knows what is best for us. In addition, He recognizes our inability to see, remember, or understand that fact in the moment. God’s patience is the reason why we aren’t just left to our own sinful nature. He provides a way out if we just follow His lead. He extended His love through His Son, Jesus, dying for our sins on the cross. Through Jesus’ innocent life, death, and resurrection we can be forgiven. He already extended the invitation and did His part, now He waits for people to seek Him and turn to Him in repentance. That doesn’t mean He is not working, because He is, but you have to do your part too. Accept God’s invitation to help.
God has extended His invitation, now He waits for people to seek Him and turn to Him in repentance.
In addition, I want you to know that God never gets tired of you. We shouldn’t feel guilty for having to constantly refocus on Jesus. God knows how that is part of our sinful nature. He knows the struggle we have because of our flesh. For this reason, God sent His Son to be tempted and struggle in the flesh, yet live a perfect life. There is no need for us to have to try to hide our sins, doubts, or insecurities. Before any of us were even born, God had already planned to save us from our sins.
As humans, we just have to come to terms with that fact and humble ourselves before God, remembering what He did and how much we need Him.
Jesus will always take you. He doesn’t care how many times you deal with that same struggle because He wants you to come and refocus on Him. The fact that you are seeking Him for help, guidance, and forgiveness is why He will never turn you away. So, I hope you really begin to understand just how patient God is and how important it is to know how that part of His character is shown in your life.