It Pays to Be Patient

As I read James 5:11 it says, “We count as blessed those who have persevered.” (NIV)

God rewards patience. James 5:11 says, “We count as blessed those who have persevered” (NIV). In other words, it pays to be patient.

When I’m patient, it builds my character, I avoid mistakes, and I’m going to reach my goals. When I’m patient, I’m going to be honored by others and have happier relationships. There are all kinds of blessings and benefits.

During this time of the coronavirus, it’s hard to be patient when I’m tired? Everyone is feeling weary from the drawn-out uncertainty and craziness of the pandemic.

Galatians 6:9 reminds me, “Let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up” (TLB).

There are blessings to be had through the seasons of waiting. They are not just rewards for today but later in heaven, as well.

Jesus says in Matthew 5:11-12, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven” (NIV). When someone hurts me, one of my strongest desires may be to retaliate. 

Whenever I’m criticized and tempted to strike back, think first: Is this fight worth giving up the reward promised to me in heaven? It’s not. When I’m criticized, misjudged, questioned, doubted and second-guessed, I need to learn to not defend myself. I need to remain quiet, because I’m most like Jesus when I don’t retaliate. I’m most like Jesus when I refuse to fight back.

Even when he was accused and mistreated, Jesus chose to do what was right and not retaliate in the middle of a crisis. If I choose to let God handle it when someone hurts me, he sees it. And he will bless me.

In summary, those who persevere will be blessed for God rewards patience. So It pays to be patient. When I’m patient, it builds my character, I avoid mistakes, and I reach my goals. When I’m patient, I’m going to be honored by others and have happier relationships. However, It’s hard to be patient, especially when I’m tired. Galatians 6:9 reminds me, “Let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up”. There are blessings to be had through the seasons of waiting. Whenever I’m criticized and tempted to strike back, think first: Is this fight worth giving up the reward promised to me in heaven? So when I’m criticized, misjudged, questioned, doubted and second-guessed, I need to learn to not defend myself. Instead, I need to remain quiet, because I’m most like Jesus when I don’t retaliate and refuse to fight back. If I choose to let God handle when someone hurts me, he’ll see it, and will bless me.

Father I must admit that I'm not always quiet when I’m criticized or not treated rightly. My natural instinct is to defend myself. Today’s devotion has reminded me to take on the character of Jesus when this occurs. I need to let you take care of the situation and allow you to bless me through the circumstance. Patience on my part will help to keep relationships from being tainted.

I pray this morning that with the help of your Holy Spirit in me, that I be reminded of this truth before I launch into normal patterns. I want to serve and love you Lord, and be of service / help to others. I pray also for wisdom and guidance for this day, my work, my leadership and my interaction with others. I also put my trust in you for my next job opportunity as you know what's best for me and how you want me to serve. These things I pray through your Son Jesus’ name, amen.