Chronicles of a Discoverer...: Devotion on Patience

Listen to this article

We covered the topic of "patience" at a recent department devotion:

God is often more patient with us than we are with ourselves. We assume that if we fall, we aren't born again. If we stumble, then we aren't truly converted. If we have the old desires, then we must not be a new creation.

If you are anxious about this, please remember, "God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again". (Phil. 1:6)

"We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience. And patience produces character, and character produces hope. And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts." Romans 5:3-5

"We have around us many people whose lives tell us what faith means. So let us run the race that is before us and never give up. We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back. Let us look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes it perfect." Hebrews 12:1-2a

"My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need." James 1:2-4nds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need." James 1:2-4

Why does scripture says that we should have joy and be full of joy when we face trials?

It is not saying that we should deny our negative feelings about trials and feel joyful that we have trials
Difference lies in that we can have the assurance of Christ in us and in our lives, that He has His plans for us and will see us through

Why are there trials?

I guess that is a question no one can answer but we can be certain that trials are part and parcel of life because we will (i) face trials when we go through the different stages in life and (ii) the devil do taunts you as well along the way, and/or (iii) sometimes we can be stubborn and refuse to "let go and let God", among many other reasons.
But one thing about the scriptures is that it says "trials produced patience and patience produced character and character produces hope" (Romans 5:3-5)
To me, the last 2 years of spiritual growth (ever since I have returned to the Lord from backsliding) had been most intense. Sometimes, I go through trials e.g. my trials in leading cell, and cry out to the Lord, not understanding why I am made to go through these trials. But upon reflecting, through the trials, I have learnt:
- How God uses me and my experience to minister to others - Just like how He recently used my experience facing career crisis to minister to a sister-in-christ, who was going through a similar situation. Both of us placed our self-worth on our jobs rather on God. By the end of the session and sharing, we both come to recognise that we can choose to place our self-worth in people and jobs (which may fail us at times) or on God (who never fails)
- How to rely on God - At times, maybe due to stubbornness, we refuse to "Let go and Let God" and it is through the various trials I faced these 2 years which have helped me to learn the hard way to rely on Christ and indeed, He never fails, just like how He is blessing my cell leadership now and I thank God for that
- How God uses trials to build character, both for ourselves and for our ministry
- How God is in control and has His plans for us: Jeremiah 29:11

How do we respond in times of trials?

Trials are for certain here to stay but then the important thing is how do we respond to God when we face trials? Sometimes, we trust God and hold on, sometimes we start to doubt God, sometimes we lament to God, sometimes we lift up our fists to God etc
But we have seen how God has sustained people and used people's trials for good e.g. Nick Vujicic and Joni Eareckson. I cannot imagine myself living their lives. In the words of Nick, "it is not as if one morning he woke up and have this confidence but it is a journey, it is character building". He had the willingness to let God use him to share the gospel
So how do we we respond? Is it: Trials-Triumph (in Christ)-Testimony (of God's grace, faithfulness and work in your life)
Do we beat ourselves up, despite having been saved, that we still stumble and sin? But we are reminded that we are work-in-progress and Phil 1:6 reminds us of that. But do we suffer from the, as Sy Rogers call it, "Dirty Diaper Syndrome"; when children mess up, some run away from parents (because maybe they fear being scolded) but all the parent want to do is clean you up (and maybe nag or scold a little).

So when we mess up, do we run from or to God? Do we become so disappointed that we run away from God? If God can send Christ to die on the cross and forgive all who have yet to even ask for forgiveness, what more the power of coming before the cross, confessing our sins and repenting?

Romans 5:5 reminds "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." He has and will continue to do so.