Embracing Patience: Trust, Surrender, and Active Waiting

 

Summary

### Summary

Today, we embarked on a journey to explore the fruit of the Spirit, focusing on patience. We began by reflecting on the previous weeks where we discussed love, joy, and peace. Love connects us to God and spills over into our relationships with others. Joy is a deep well within us that overflows when we encounter God, and peace is an active pursuit of harmony and understanding.

Patience, however, is a bit more complex. The opposite of patience isn't just impatience; it often manifests as stress, anger, or worry. Patience is an act of trust—trusting God, ourselves, and others. It involves surrendering our expectations and letting go of the things that burden us. Patience also requires a shift in perspective, moving from a self-centered view to a God-centered and others-centered outlook.

We discussed how patience is an active process, much like a farmer who plants a seed and waits for it to grow, trusting that it will bear fruit in its season. This act of waiting is not passive but involves continuous care and cultivation. Similarly, patience in our lives requires us to actively engage in practices that help us grow in love, joy, and peace.

We also touched on the importance of responding rather than reacting. When we react, we often do so out of impatience, but when we respond, we take the time to absorb and understand before acting. This helps us to be more thoughtful and considerate in our interactions.

Finally, we acknowledged that patience is essential in dealing with life's challenges. By trusting in God and surrendering our plans, we can navigate difficult times with grace and resilience. We are called to advocate for love, cultivate joy, and fight for peace, all of which are integral to practicing patience.

### Key Takeaways

1. Patience as Trust: Patience is fundamentally an act of trust. Trusting in God means believing that He is working all things out for our good. This trust extends to ourselves and others, allowing us to respond with love, joy, and peace rather than stress and anger. [31:53]

2. Patience as Surrender: Patience involves letting go of our expectations and the things that burden us. By surrendering our plans and being open to God's timing, we can find peace and contentment even in the waiting. [33:25]

3. Active Patience: Patience is not passive; it is an active process of cultivation. Just as a farmer tends to a seed, we must continuously engage in practices that help us grow in love, joy, and peace. This active waiting involves trust and care. [40:30]

4. Responding vs. Reacting: Patience helps us to respond rather than react. When we take the time to absorb and understand before acting, our responses are more thoughtful and considerate. This practice helps us to maintain harmony in our relationships. [48:44]

5. Patience in Hard Times: Patience is crucial in navigating life's challenges. By trusting in God and surrendering our plans, we can face difficult times with grace and resilience. This perspective shift helps us to see the bigger picture and remain hopeful. [44:59]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[05:17] - Call to Worship
[09:07] - Children's Moment
[12:37] - Lesson on Patience
[14:16] - Prayer of Reconciliation
[22:46] - Announcements and Engagement News
[23:35] - Recap of Previous Sermons
[26:23] - Exploring Patience
[28:11] - Thumb Thermometer Check-In
[30:10] - Centering Ourselves
[31:20] - Patience as Trust
[33:25] - Patience as Surrender
[34:53] - Jesus' Intentionality and Interruptibility
[36:29] - The Farmer's Patience
[38:56] - Shifting Perspective
[40:30] - Active Patience
[42:59] - Cultivating Patience
[44:59] - Patience in Hard Times
[48:44] - Responding vs. Reacting
[50:11] - Knowing How to Respond
[51:50] - Life as a Long Journey
[58:12] - Prayers of the People
[59:31] - Prayer Requests
[01:00:35] - Closing Prayer and Lord's Prayer
[01:01:28] - Doxology and Benediction

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. James 5:7-8 (NIV) - "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near."
2. Romans 8:28 (NIV) - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
3. Psalm 23:1 (NIV) - "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to James 5:7-8, what analogy is used to describe patience, and what does it teach us about the nature of patience?
2. How does Romans 8:28 relate to the concept of patience as an act of trust in God’s plan? [31:53]
3. In Psalm 23:1, what does David’s declaration about the Lord being his shepherd imply about his trust and patience in God’s provision?
4. What are some examples given in the sermon that illustrate the difference between responding and reacting? [48:44]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the analogy of the farmer in James 5:7-8 help us understand the active nature of patience? What does this imply about our daily actions and attitudes?
2. Romans 8:28 speaks about God working all things for good. How can this verse help someone struggling with impatience during difficult times? [44:59]
3. Reflecting on Psalm 23:1, how does trusting in God’s provision help cultivate patience in our lives, especially during challenging seasons?
4. The sermon mentioned that patience involves a shift from a self-centered to a God-centered perspective. How does this shift impact our daily interactions and decisions? [39:30]

#### Application Questions
1. Think of a recent situation where you felt impatient. How could you have applied the principle of trusting in God’s timing to that situation? [31:53]
2. Identify one expectation or burden you need to surrender to God. What steps can you take this week to let go and trust in His plan? [33:25]
3. The sermon discussed the importance of responding rather than reacting. Can you recall a time when you reacted out of impatience? How can you practice responding thoughtfully in the future? [48:44]
4. Patience is described as an active process of cultivation. What daily practices can you implement to actively cultivate patience in your life? [40:30]
5. Reflect on a challenging time in your life. How did patience and trust in God help you navigate that period? How can you apply those lessons to current or future challenges? [44:59]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of shifting from a self-centered to a God-centered perspective. What practical steps can you take to make this shift in your daily life? [39:30]
7. Think of a person who tests your patience. What is a short prayer or practice you can adopt before your next interaction with that person to help you respond with patience and love? [49:11]

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in God's Timing
Patience is fundamentally an act of trust. Trusting in God means believing that He is working all things out for our good. This trust extends to ourselves and others, allowing us to respond with love, joy, and peace rather than stress and anger. When we trust in God's timing, we surrender our need for immediate results and allow His perfect plan to unfold in our lives. This trust is not passive but requires active engagement in our faith, continually reminding ourselves of God's faithfulness and promises.

By trusting in God, we can let go of the stress and anxiety that often accompany impatience. Instead, we can rest in the assurance that God is in control and that His timing is always perfect. This trust also extends to our relationships with others, allowing us to be more patient and understanding, knowing that everyone is on their own journey and that God is working in their lives as well. [31:53]

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you are struggling to trust God's timing. How can you actively surrender this situation to Him today and rest in His perfect plan?


Day 2: Surrendering Our Expectations
Patience involves letting go of our expectations and the things that burden us. By surrendering our plans and being open to God's timing, we can find peace and contentment even in the waiting. This act of surrender is not about giving up but about releasing control and trusting that God's plans are better than our own. When we hold onto our expectations too tightly, we often set ourselves up for disappointment and frustration.

Surrendering our expectations allows us to be more flexible and open to the ways God is working in our lives. It helps us to see the bigger picture and to trust that even when things don't go according to our plans, God is still in control and has a purpose for everything. This surrender brings a sense of peace and contentment, knowing that we are in God's hands and that He is working all things for our good. [33:25]

Proverbs 19:21 (ESV): "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."

Reflection: What expectations or plans are you holding onto tightly? How can you surrender these to God and trust in His purpose for your life?


Day 3: Cultivating Active Patience
Patience is not passive; it is an active process of cultivation. Just as a farmer tends to a seed, we must continuously engage in practices that help us grow in love, joy, and peace. This active waiting involves trust and care, knowing that the seeds we plant today will bear fruit in their season. Patience requires us to be diligent and intentional in our spiritual growth, continually seeking ways to deepen our relationship with God and to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

Active patience means being proactive in our faith, taking steps to nurture our spiritual growth and to develop the qualities that God desires in us. It involves regular prayer, study of the Word, and engagement in community, all of which help us to grow in our faith and to become more like Christ. By actively cultivating patience, we can experience the fullness of God's love, joy, and peace in our lives. [40:30]

James 5:7-8 (ESV): "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."

Reflection: What are some practical steps you can take to actively cultivate patience in your life? How can you engage in practices that help you grow in love, joy, and peace?


Day 4: Responding with Thoughtfulness
Patience helps us to respond rather than react. When we take the time to absorb and understand before acting, our responses are more thoughtful and considerate. This practice helps us to maintain harmony in our relationships and to approach situations with a calm and measured demeanor. Reacting out of impatience often leads to misunderstandings and conflict, but responding with patience allows us to communicate more effectively and to build stronger, healthier relationships.

By practicing patience, we can develop the ability to pause and reflect before responding, considering the impact of our words and actions on others. This thoughtful approach helps us to be more empathetic and compassionate, fostering a sense of understanding and connection in our interactions. Patience in our responses also allows us to navigate challenging situations with grace and wisdom, leading to more positive outcomes. [48:44]

Proverbs 15:1 (ESV): "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you reacted out of impatience. How could you have responded differently with thoughtfulness and consideration? What steps can you take to practice this in future interactions?


Day 5: Navigating Hard Times with Grace
Patience is crucial in navigating life's challenges. By trusting in God and surrendering our plans, we can face difficult times with grace and resilience. This perspective shift helps us to see the bigger picture and remain hopeful, even when circumstances are tough. Patience in hard times involves a deep trust in God's sovereignty and a willingness to endure, knowing that He is with us and that He will see us through.

When we face trials and challenges, patience allows us to remain steadfast and to keep our focus on God. It helps us to persevere and to find strength in His promises, knowing that He is working all things for our good. This resilience is not about ignoring our struggles but about facing them with a sense of hope and trust in God's faithfulness. By cultivating patience, we can navigate life's challenges with grace and emerge stronger in our faith. [44:59]

Romans 12:12 (ESV): "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."

Reflection: What is a current challenge you are facing? How can you practice patience and trust in God as you navigate this difficult time? What steps can you take to remain hopeful and resilient?

Quotes

1. "As we gather, let us embark on a journey to explore the fruit of the Spirit, seeking to grow in our faith and reflect Christ's love and grace. We come with hearts open, ready to be transformed by the Spirit's work in our lives. Let us open our hearts to the presence of God. Let us open our hearts to the presence of the Holy Spirit, who cultivates these fruits within us. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." [05:17] (37 seconds) ( | | )

2. "So when we spend time connecting to God's love vertically, that love spills out into the horizontal axis, our love with each other. So when we love God, we love others more. I think of it like a big geyser, right, with water that shoots up into the sky. And the higher the water shoots, the more people will get wet. Okay, so that's kind of how our love is. The more that we connect with God, the more people will encounter that love." [23:35] (26 seconds) ( | | )

3. "When we encounter God, we have an opportunity to respond with joy. Last week, Matthew preached about peace. And he talked about peace not as something that's passive or something that we just get to experience when things are okay. But something that we actively seek. It's the process of continually de-centering our own voice and listening to the voices of others around us. Seeking for a way for not only me to just be okay. But for all of us. To be okay." [24:39] (32 seconds) ( | | )

4. "Patience is an act of trust. An act of trust. When we have patience. We get a little bit more comfortable. Because we know that we trust. In God. We trust that God is working all things out for our good. Just like the bible tells us. If we love God. God is working for our good. There's a sense of trust there. We also trust ourselves. We trust ourselves to respond. In the right way. In the moment. To allow ourselves to not be impatient. Not be stressed. Angry and worried. But instead to take some deep breaths." [31:53] (41 seconds) ( | | )

5. "Patience is also an act of surrender. An act of letting go. Letting go of our expectations. Letting go of the things that we think matter. Letting go of the things that burden us. That burden us. That keep us from the present moment. There's. Often. When I'm impatient. Or maybe when you're impatient. You might think. Oh man. I'm really worried about this one thing. And someone comes to me and says. Hey I think this should happen. Or this should happen." [33:25] (38 seconds) ( | | )

6. "When we trust God. When we trust others. And we trust ourselves. When we surrender to the situation. And we say my plans aren't the most important thing. Then we get to the next thing. That patience is. And patience is always. Shifting our perspective. I think the more that we spend time waiting. The more that we spend time surrendering. And trusting in God. The more that that changes us. From this me centered perspective. Where I'm like. I matter." [38:56] (34 seconds) ( | | )

7. "Patience isn't easy. Patience isn't just something that we can say. Oh well I can just sit around all day. And not do anything. And I'll just wait. But it's an active waiting. It's a process of cultivation. Just as the farmer doesn't water the seed once. And walk away. And trust that everything will be okay. He comes back day after day. Or she comes back day after day. And waters the plants. And checks on it. And prunes it when it needs it. Making sure that it's healthy. We must use our patience. To cultivate. This love, joy, and peace. That we experience. It's active. And it's a process." [40:30] (39 seconds) ( | | )

8. "When we react to things. It's like they hit us and bounce right off. And we say that had no effect on me. And actually it made me kind of mad. But when we respond to things. We receive them. We absorb them. We take them in. We check in with our heart. With our mind. With our gut. We say how is this sitting with me. We listen first. And then we respond. We receive. And then we respond. Do you see the difference there? The difference between response. And a reaction." [48:44] (36 seconds) ( | | )

9. "Through patience we trust. We trust God. Others and ourselves. We surrender our agenda. We realize that it's a process. Of shifting perspective. And this is an active process. So I hope. That you would be patient. And that you would be able to sit. With. The things that God gives you in your life. That you would be able to recognize. The blessings in your life. That you would be able to encounter. The hard parts of your life. And say even though. Things aren't going my way. God is still here. And God is still moving." [51:50] (37 seconds) ( | | )

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Transcript
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