Our Struggle with Impatience

"I have not so great a struggle with my vices, great and numerous as they are, as I have with my impatience. My efforts are not absolutely useless; yet I have never been able to conquer this ferocious wild beast."  - John Calvin

Anyone watching their favorite news outlet is aware of the current developments pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, I refer to the attempts to slowly re-open a world that has basically been shut down for most of this year.

Most countries are trying to do this in a gradual and orderly fashion; not wanting to push too quickly. However, they are up against an old enemy common to all humanity, and that is: impatience.

To truly understand how far the impact of our impatience can affect us we can always trust scripture to lead the way. We shall see how "impatience" is not only damaging to our relationships with others, but even more importantly, with God.

First, a Bible dictionary definition of impatience is certainly worth a look at here. It is: a refusal to wait for people or developments, frequently displaying a lack of faith. This certainly fits the bill as to what we are dealing with today!

In Genesis 16:1-2, we see the results of impatience in the lives of Abraham and Sarah while waiting for the son that God had promised them (Genesis 25:30). Impatience sadly cost Esau his birthright in Numbers 20:9-11.

Moses was confronted with the impatience and sin of Israel in Numbers 21:4; Psalm 106: 13; Isaiah 59:7. Saul impatiently makes an offering without waiting for Samuel, costing him his kingdom in 1 Samuel 13:6-14.

Impatience can seriously damage our personal relationships with others as it did between: Amon and his half-sister, Tamar in 2 Samuel 13:2, the vain and arrogant son of David with the help of Joab in 2 Samuel 14:29, and Joab with Absalom in 2 Samuel 18:14.

What have seen so far has been taken from the Old Testament, but as you shall see the New Testament offers some noteworthy examples regarding impatience, too. The unforgiving debtor allows impatience to get the better of him in Matthew 18:29-30.

The impatience of the younger son pressured him to request his inheritance from his father sooner rather than later in Luke 15:12. And impatience to act without divine help never works out right as Peter found out in John 21:3.

Impatience can create havoc and misery in our lives without any restraints. Thankfully, God has graciously provided us with warning signs to let us know that danger may be up ahead, and what we can do about it.

Here are some examples: Psalm 37:7; Proverbs 19:2; Galatians 6:9; James 1:19-20; Proverbs 25:8; Proverbs 21:5; Proverbs 28:22; Ecclesiastes 5:2; Ecclesiastes 7:9; Ecclesiastes 8:3. Unfortunately, we could not possibly list all, but help is there when we need it.

I understand that many are ready to step outside again, but we must do so prudently and considerately. Remember, "you" are not the only one feeling impatient, but how we handle our impatience will ultimately determine what kind of world we will return to.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:2-3; Colossians 1:11; Exodus 34:6; Isaiah 40:31; Psalm 27:14

Prayer: Dear LORD, help me to be patient in my interaction with others; and don't let me fall into the traps that impatience sets so well in and out of our daily lives. May You always calmly guide me in all my endeavors. Amen.

Love and blessings,

Jenelle