The Old Schoolhouse Magazine

Parents, don’t be afraid that you don’t have enough patience;
God will give you all that you need.
Definitions of Patience

If we look at the definition of patience, we will find it defined as more than just an ability to wait. The modern Merriam-Webster dictionary defines patient as “bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint; manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain; not hasty or impetuous; steadfast despite opposition, difficulty or adversity.” 1

This definition accurately describes what is needed for home education. So if patience is what we are lacking, where do we get more? Let’s look at the Scriptures, from whence comes our help.

to all men liberally, and upbraideth
not; and it shall be given him. But let
him ask in faith, nothing wavering”
(James 1: 5-6).
We are to be blessed examples of pa-
tience through endurance and suffering:
“Take, my brethren, the prophets, who
have spoken in the name of the Lord, for
an example of suffering affliction, and of
patience. Behold, we count them happy
which endure” (James 5: 10–11).

We must not be lazy but instead must patiently endure until we obtain the promise, like those who have gone before us: “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, . . . saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise” (Hebrews 6: 12–15).

We can be strengthened with power
for patience: “That ye might walk worthy
of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruit-
ful in every good work, and increasing
in the knowledge of God; strengthened
with all might, according to his glori-
ous power, unto all patience and long-
suffering with joyfulness” (Colossians
1: 10–11).
We can clothe ourselves with patience
and longsuffering: “Put on therefore, as
the elect of God, holy and beloved, bow-
els of mercies, kindness, humbleness of
mind, meekness, longsuffering” (Colos-
sians 3: 12).
Wisdom gives us patience as we confi-
dently overlook an offense: “The discre-
tion of a man deferreth his anger; and it
is his glory to pass over a transgression”
(Proverbs 19: 11).

Help From the Scriptures

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1: 2–4).

This is what is lacking in today’s parents and why they say they cannot possibly educate their children at home: Biblical patience. Their faith has not been tried through patience. A patience that endures hardship and resists selfish temptation can be found in a homeschool parent. That journey of patience brings forth fullness and wholeness, that we might lack nothing.

Parents, don’t be afraid that you don’t have enough patience; God will give you all that you need. Not only that, but don’t be afraid that you don’t have enough wisdom; just ask God for more! The next two verses tell us: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth

Deborah Wuehler is the Senior Editor for TOS, participating author in The Homeschool Minute, wife to Richard, and mom to eight gifts from heaven. She loves digging for buried treasure in the Word, reading, writing, homeschooling, and dark chocolate! You may contact her at senioreditor @ TheHomeschoolMagazine.com.