I used to ask God for patience. I tend to be an impatient person, so I never quite understood why God wouldn’t give me patience when I asked. That is, I never quite understood why until a wise friend of mine and I, Anthony Horvath, were having a conversation on this topic one night. I was telling Anthony about my amazing girlfriend and he was telling me about his book and then we somehow got to my frustrations with not receiving patience. He gave a great response.
“You asked for patience but don’t really want it, because what you’re asking for is the trial that requires you to issue patience. You just want it without any work.”
He was right. People don’t want to have to go through what’s required to learn patience, they just want it. Poof. But it’s not magic, it’s character. I’ve since changed my thinking on patience, welcoming the trials that teach me it.
Then God challenged me in various ways with boldness. Why wasn’t I blogging about my faith? I’ve never wanted to be the kind of person who forces it on people, but why wasn’t I at least sharing it? That applies to here and in person.
It’s because usually talking about faith makes Christians and non-Christians feel uncomfortable (there are obviously exceptions). But maybe people need to feel uncomfortable. Not all the time, of course. But enough to spur them from complacency because everything in life is progressing forward, so if you’re not pressing forward, you’re moving backwards. I don’t think people should be left behind, in business, in life, or in faith.
I think boldness is a different beast than patience, though. Being bold means seemingly putting yourself at risk. That’s why it’s usually harder to become bold than to become patient, even though you learn it the same way.
In business we call boldness “innovation”, and the same principles apply. You don’t become innovative by wanting to be innovative, or telling people you’re innovative. You become innovative by working at it and by going through the trials that require you to learn it.
Apple is innovative because they work at being innovative. They released the iPhone, which is a huge success with 21 billion units sold and having just hit the billion mark on number of apps sold. They also released the Apple TV, which no one is talking about anymore.
It can be difficult at times, being bold and putting yourself out there at risk. I think it’s worth it, though, as I remind myself that boldness starts with me having a humble confidence in myself, and my beliefs. And I know it effects those around me, businesses and individuals, because I’ve already seen (as I am sure we all have) the positive effects of others with a humble boldness.
Nathan, George Hollen sent me to your blog this morning. Thanks for your poignant words. Being a local pastor, I often struggle with boldness and patience, and I’m grateful to God for speaking through you today!
Hey Jonathan!
I am just glad if God was able to use me somehow : )
Boldness is something that’s been on my heart for a while and I figured at the least if I can share my own struggles with it and what I have learned, it may also serve as an encouragement to others! Being an extrovert, though, boldness is sometimes easier for me than patience.
Thanks for the comment!