Utmost Patience

Paul boasted in the fact that he could point to a ministry that was not built by his work, but Christ's power. In 2 Corinthians 12, he continues a small boasting fest on his track record. His boasting, however, is not on his greatness, but on his weaknesses and the challenging life of an apostle. This is a sign of a true apostle, because God builds the church and he does it through those who are humbly surrendered to him; through those who allow his power in their lives. Paul says in verse 9 that he boasts gladly of his weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon him. This means that the power of Christ will come upon you, if you humbly allow it. There were “super-apostles” running around during Paul’s day who were very gifted speakers and affluent men but did not have the character of Christ.

In verse 12 Paul says something that I’ve probably passed over many times but today it sticks out to me clearly: “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.”

Building up a church is a noble thing, but it requires time. Although people are saved in an instant, the church is still full of people who are in repair. A church can have a gifted speaker, but if it lacks fellowship, teamwork, and leadership, it’s nothing more than a place where broken people come to hear a speech and maybe sing a few songs and pray.

I’m remembering today that leadership must be done with great patience. Lately I’ve been feeling frustrations in my realms of leadership, but I need to take this cue from Paul and remember that true leadership takes utmost patience. If a leader is not patient, it could be that true leadership is not taking place. In the church, I find there are lots of events and sermon series and causes for great excitement, which is great and very necessary, but a leader can’t ride the same waves of ups and downs and everyone else. They need foresight to see ahead and prepare themselves for the marathon that is ministry, and patiently run the race.