"How long, O Jehovah?"—Isa. 6:11. – ?????

[Bible Speaks]

Are You Willing to Wait Patiently?

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"How long, O Jehovah?"—Isa. 6:11.

“You too exercise patience.”—JAMES 5:8.

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What can help us when we are in a situation that is difficult to endure? Jesus’ half brother James was inspired to tell us: “Be patient then, brothers, until the presence of the Lord.” (James 5:7) So we all need to be patient. But what is patience, and how can we show this beautiful quality?

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WHAT IS PATIENCE?

The Bible says that patience comes from God’s holy spirit. Without God’s help, it can be hard for imperfect humans to be patient in very difficult situations. Patience is a gift from God, and we prove our love for Jehovah and others when we show it. When we are not patient, the love between us and others weakens. (1 Corinthians 13:4; Galatians 5:22) 

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What does patience involve? It involves enduring difficult situations while still having a positive attitude. (Colossians 1:11; James 1:3, 4) Patience also helps us to remain faithful to Jehovah no matter what problems we have. It will help us to avoid retaliating when we suffer. The Bible says that we must willingly accept the need to wait. That is an important lesson we learn from James 5:7, 8. (Read.)

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So even though we may struggle with trials, we are determined to show “a waiting attitude.” Sometimes we might ask: “How long, O Jehovah?” (Isaiah 6:11) But with the help of God’s holy spirit, we can imitate the prophet Jeremiah and say: “Jehovah is my share,” and “That is why I will show a waiting attitude for him.”—Lamentations 3:21, 24.

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SOME EXPRESSIONS EXPLAINED

• To show a waiting attitude: To be patient and willing to wait for Jehovah to act. We trust that Jehovah will act at the right time and in the right way
• https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/402017521?q=isa+6%3A11&p=par

[Ma Ai]

Jehovah loves ones willing to wait on Him, doing what they can, in harmony with His purpose. Patience is His gift and a virtue. We must "become imitators of God, as beloved children." (Ephesians 5:1) 

[James Thomas Rook Jr.]

I have a magnet brass plaque on my refrigerator:

"PRAY TOWARD HEAVEN

ROW TOWARDS SHORE"