The Patience of God
This week my daily Bible reading has me in the book of Job. As I read, it occurs to me that we may have missed something in this story. You see for years I’ve heard people talk about the patience of Job. However, I think it was God and not Job who was patient.
As I read Job’s story, I see God being very patient. Job’s wife tells him to “curse God and die.” God was patient with Job’s friends who gave long speeches but had nothing to say. Most of all I see the patience God had with Job himself. Job struggled with his pain and suffering. He charged God with being unfair. He wanted to meet with God in a court of law and he demanded answers from God. But through it all, God patiently waited until Job was ready to see Him with clear eyes.
God’s patience has been evident throughout all time. He was patient with Adam and Eve when they hid themselves in the garden. He was patient when David cheated with Bathsheba. He was patient when Jonah ran from His calling. And He has been very patient with me when I have been everything but the man I should be.
I am thankful that the God of all grace has called me to His eternal glory in Christ. I know that even though I fail miserably, He will restore me and make me strong, firm, and steadfast. The patience of God is driven by His love and mercy. It is because of His merciful patience and not my goodness that I know He will never leave nor forsake me.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever.”
Psalms 103:1-9 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.103.1-9.NKJV
Douglas & Deborah Huff
From Down Where the Pavement Ends
Email-douglas@ pavementendsministry.com
