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A WOMAN’S JOURNEY WITH GOD

Focus Verse: "My Father, You are the Lord my God. I desire to love You, to listen to Your voice, and hold fast to You, for You, Lord, are my life". Deuteronomy 30:20

"An Amazing Walk in Patience "
Bible Study #5

Study Text: "Since God chose you to be the holy people whom He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each others faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." Colossians 3: 12-13 NLT

Introduction: When you hear or read the word "patience", what scene is played out in your mind? Waiting at a stop light in a car with a crying infant, disappointment with a loved one’s choice or decision and "biting your tongue" so that you don’t reply with words you’ll regret, a phone call from someone who is upset with you and says something that hurts you deeply, a health concern that has still not been diagnosed or serving as the care giver to an aging parent?

We are all familiar with the phrase "patience is a virtue". What does that really mean to us? Virtue is defined as "moral excellence" or a "particular beneficial quality". Patience is the "quality of enduring affliction or pain without anger or complaint; understanding and tolerant".

"Pain comes in a variety of ways in real life; through a letter in the mail or a visitor to your house or by telephone. As a result you and I are left confused, wounded, bewildered, baffled, and hurting. We may feel used or abused, dumped on or manipulated, heartsick or sorrowful. There was an insult, an accusation, a disagreement, an argument, a criticism, maybe even a physical blow or a lawsuit. Now what are we supposed to do?" Elizabeth George

Life cannot be lived in isolation. There are always situations and events that must be handled; always people with whom to rub shoulders. Reaction is the stuff of which much behavior is made and we all live in the environment of relationships.

Ponder: As a Christian woman whose goal is to have "an amazing walk with God", it is extremely important to guard your tongue. I remember years ago being asked the question, "what comes out of your mouth when you are bumped?" (Bump can mean any intrusion, situation, etc) That question has remained in my memory since by nature, I am quick to speak and react. "Those who control their tongue will have a long life; a quick retort can ruin everything." (Proverbs 13: 3 NLT)

One of the most common reactions to unpleasant people and negative or opposed situations is "anger". It may be perfectly justified, partially understandable, or downright inexcusable.

The Greek word "makrothumia", translated "patience" or "long-suffering" in the list of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5: 22) and in our study text, literally means "long wrath" or "slow anger". In other words, half the Greek word for patience is "anger," and the other half is "long" or "slow". Patience, in this context, is handling anger slowly. Generally speaking the word is not used of patience in regard to things or events but in regard to people.

The Old Testament records a striking similarity between this expression and the way in which God described Himself to Moses: "The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness". (Exodus 34: 6 NIV) God Himself is our example for our "amazing walk in patience".

It is commonly used in the New Testament of the attitude of God towards men.

• "Don’t you realize how kind, tolerant and patient God is with you? Or don’t you care? Can’t you see how kind He has been in giving you time to turn from your sin?" (Romans 2:4NLT) Here we see that God’s patience is not a sign of His weakness. He is longsuffering in order to lead man to repentance.
• "God has every right to exercise His judgment and His power, but He also has the right to be very patient with those who are the objects of His judgment and are fit only for destruction". (Romans 9: 22 NLT) If God had been a man, He would have wiped out this world long ago; but He has that patience which bears with all our sinning and will not cast us off. Hallelujah! "An Amazing Walk in Patience" is reproducing this loving, forbearing, forgiving, patient attitude of God towards us!

We have all heard the saying, "Lord, I need patience….and I want it right now!" Every day we must face up to the strain of personal relationships. Handling people in a gracious, Christ like manner presents a real test for us. Our previous studies focused on the godly attitudes of love, joy and peace, enabling us to handle the difficult circumstances of life. Patience (Kindness and goodness will be the focus of our next study) helps us in our relationships with difficult people.

You and I Are Called by God to be Patient. Paul, in his writings to the Ephesians said, “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults, because of your love.” (Ephesians 4: 1-2 NLT) Paul writes that we can enhance our relationships with other believers and promote the unity of the church if we conduct our lives with patience. When we are annoyed by other people and see their faults, rather than lashing out in criticism, we are to be patient.

Mary Whelchel, founder of “The Christian Working Woman”, gives four biblical principles for handling “difficult relationships”. She states, “relationships are the sandpaper of life”.

1. The Extra-Mile Principle:
• Endure unfair treatment at times, without griping or complaining
• Refrain from saying some of the things you would like to say to the difficult person
• Do something for that person you don’t have to do or want to do
• Make an effort to be helpful to the person

Scripture: “Here’s another old saying that deserves a second look: ‘eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere? Here’s what I propose: ‘Don’t hit back at all.’ If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, gift-wrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.” (Matthew 5:38-41 The Message)

2. The Speak-the-Truth-in-Love Principle: Speaking the truth is sometimes the part we are called on the play in the lives of others in order to help them. Of course, the operative word is love. Often truth is spoken in hatred and vindictiveness. Truth can be spoken with malice or in defensiveness. For sure, truth can often be painful. When we speak it in anything but love, we can cause a rift in a relationship that may never be healed.

Words are very powerful and need to be bathed in prayer. Our motivations must be carefully scrutinized to make certain that we are speaking the truth in love for the right reason at the right time.

Scripture: “Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4: 15 NIV)

Pray: That the Lord will give you grace to speak the truth with compassion and forethought when you know you should.

3. The Love Your Enemy Principle: If you have some relationship “enemies”, God will empower you to love them if you are willing. Remember, love doesn’t necessarily mean liking. This kind of love is an action, a set of our will, a decision to act in loving ways, even though our feelings may not be warm and fuzzy. We aren’t promised that our enemies will change or that they will appreciate our loving attitude. But when we respond in loving ways toward people who make our lives difficult, we keep ourselves from sinning and we demonstrate the love of Jesus in very real ways.

Scripture: “You have heard that it used to be said, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thine enemy,’ but I tell you, Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5: 43-45a Phillips)

4. The Put On Compassion Principle: Being compassionate toward someone doesn’t necessarily mean that we approve of their behavior or agree with them. But before we can respond appropriately to difficult people, we have to put ourselves in their shoes and try to see them through God’s eyes. By putting on God’s compassion our attitude changes. It is the most effective way to deal with difficult relationships of our life.

Scripture: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion…..and patience.” (Ephesians 3: 12 NIV)

Pray: Pray specifically for each difficult person in your life. Ask God to show you what He has for you in that relationship. Trust God in new ways as you apply the above principles.

Circumstances Often Require Patience. Patience is the ability to bear affliction, delay and interruption with calmness, perseverance and confidence in the goodness of God. As I go to God and ask Him for the strength to overcome my impatience and anxious attitude, it is a cry from my heart for the maturing of my walk with Him. Pray…any time….any place….in any situation! God has been and will always be faithful as He hears the prayer from a sincere heart.

The Bible is our instruction book regarding patience. God is patient. “God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood.” (1 Peter 3: 20 NLT ) How long did God wait? Desiring that many would be saved, God waited 120 years before the rain and the flood, making His salvation available to all. (Genesis 6:3) Think about that! Only eight people were in the ark after God waited for so long!

Ponder: Think of the people in your life. What are you waiting for? God calls you to patience – His patience. Patience that holds on and won’t give up – even for 120 years. Do this…”rejoice in hope, be patient with this testing, and steadfastly maintain the habit of prayer.” (Romans 12: 12) God will grant you inward peace as well as outward control as you submit yourself to His greater plan for every aspect of your life. He has a good reason for every delay He allows to come your way. Trust Him!

Disciplines for my Amazing Walk in Patience: God’s Word is our faithful resource as we strive to walk with Him in this area of patience.

• Learn to hold back your anger. “People with good sense refrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs.” (Proverbs 19: 11 NLT)
• Believe that our patient God will give you His patience whenever you ask. Make prayer a daily priority. “To Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think…to Him be glory.” ( Ephesians 3: 20 NKJV) It is His power (patience) that works in us!
• Don’t compromise your faith for the flesh. “It is to a man’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” (Proverbs 20: 3 NIV) “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” ( Romans 13: 14 NIV) Strive by God’s grace to mold your relationships according to His pattern.
• Follow Jesus’ example to suffering in your heart and mind and strive to lift your own responses to a higher level of godliness. “This is the kind of life you’ve been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came His way so that you would know that it could be done; and also know how to do it, step-by-step. He never did one thing wrong, Not once said anything amiss.” (1 Peter 2: 21-22 The Message)
• Pray and study the scriptures. This was Jesus method for handling all of life. Pray for patience in your “relationships”. Pray for patience in your “waiting” and do not neglect your time in His Word. Allow time every day for sacred space! “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:4 NKJV)

Prayer: Lord, I want my walk with You to be an amazing walk, worthy of You. My heart’s desire is to please You in my relationships. I desire to be clothed in patience, understanding that it is Your love and Spirit which will make the difference in my living. May I devour Your Word so that it dwells in me richly. May I be strengthened by Your might and walk in patience and longsuffering with great joy. I praise You for Your calling to me to be Your daughter, an heir to Your Kingdom. There is no higher privilege for me. Amen.

June Study
A Woman’s Journey With God
An Amazing Walk in Kindness and Goodness

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