#70: Patience: Waiting on the Time of God

This message on patience emphasizes the critical role it plays in our spiritual journey. Based on Luke 21:19 — "In your patience possess ye your souls" — the message begins by contrasting patience with impatience, highlighting that Christian patience involves waiting on God's timing. It is God's clock, not the world's, that determines the unfolding of events in our lives. Many Biblical heroes waited for extended periods before seeing the fulfillment of God's promises: Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and Daniel all had to endure long waiting periods, demonstrating the power of patience.

The tribe of Issachar, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 12:32, had a special gift of understanding the timing of God. They knew when it was the right time to crown David king. The message then connects this to modern life, where patience means being aware of God's timeline while living our everyday lives, much like being at an airport early, watching the clock, and waiting for the flight. Similarly, as Christians, we must live our lives in constant awareness of the Lord’s return.

The story of King Saul illustrates the consequences of impatience. Faced with mounting pressure and the Philistines preparing for battle, Saul disobeyed God by offering a burnt offering in Samuel’s absence, a role reserved for the prophet. His disobedience cost him his kingship, teaching us that impatience can lead to significant consequences, especially when it involves disobeying God.

Finally, the message honors Brother Victor, who has reached 60 years of age. His journey reflects patience and endurance as he left Ghana as a young man and found the Lord in Europe. The comparison to Moses, who valued "the reproach of Christ" over the treasures of Egypt, celebrates Brother Victor’s spiritual journey and the strength it took to renounce worldly things in pursuit of Christ. His endurance mirrors the teachings of Matthew 10:22: "But he that endureth to the end shall be saved." As the message concludes, it emphasizes the need for patience in our walk with God, celebrating those who have remained steadfast in their faith.

This message powerfully illustrates how patience is not passive waiting but active faithfulness in God’s timing, reminding us of the eternal rewards that await those who endure to the end.