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Faith Without Patience Produces Shallow Roots

By Ashton McGraw & Chris Jaeger In The Light of Truth – A Podcast by Illuminate the Truth.


Welcome to In The Light of Truth, a podcast where biblical truth meets real life. Whether you’re new to the Bible or have studied it for years, this is a space for honest conversations about the struggles, joys, and peace we experience as followers of Christ. Walking with God isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Let’s grow together in the light of truth.

Faith Without Patience Produces Shallow Roots

Honoring a Life of Boldness

Before we dive into today’s topic of patience, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the recent tragedy of Charlie Kirk’s passing. Charlie was a voice of courage and conviction, unashamed to speak truth in love in a culture that often resists it. His boldness in proclaiming the gospel and standing firm as a light in the darkness left a deep impact on countless lives. As we reflect on his life and legacy, we’re reminded: this is not a time for believers to shrink back or be timid. It’s a time to be bold, to love deeply, and to let our voices be heard for truth and righteousness.


Our hearts go out to Charlie’s family, his wife, and children. While we rejoice that he is now with Jesus in glory, we also grieve the heartbreak his loved ones carry and the silencing of a powerful voice in our culture. Yet even in loss, God is faithful, and His purposes will be glorified.


Why Patience Matters

This week, our focus turns to patience—something many of us struggle with in our “microwave culture” of instant gratification. We live in a world where we can order something online and receive it the next day, text someone across the world instantly, or get quick answers with a search. But God doesn’t operate on our timetable. His timing is perfect, even when we can’t see it.

James 1:2–4 reminds us: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Patience isn’t just waiting—it’s trusting. It’s believing God’s promises even when the outcome is unseen. Trials refine us. Waiting strengthens us. And through patience, we are made complete.


The Dangers of Impatience

The Bible gives us many examples of what happens when we try to take matters into our own hands. Abraham and Sarah grew impatient with God’s promise of a child, leading to painful consequences with Hagar and Ishmael. In the same way, our impatience can lead us to force outcomes, justify sin, or step outside God’s will. The results are never the same as what God intended.

As Ecclesiastes 7:8 says: “The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.”

Impatience is rooted in pride—the belief that we know better than God. But patience is an act of surrender, humbling ourselves to trust His plan, His timing, and His goodness.


Patience as an Expression of Faith

Hebrews 11:1 says: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Faith without patience is shallow. It crumbles under pressure. But faith paired with patience builds endurance. It gives us deep roots that can withstand storms.

Patience isn’t passive. As we wait, we are called to pursue God—to press into prayer, to grow in His Word, to allow the Holy Spirit to shape our hearts. Patience is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), meaning we can’t produce it on our own. It comes from Him alone.


As one pastor put it, “Patience doesn’t mean pause. It means pursue.” In the waiting, we pursue God’s presence and allow Him to prepare us for what’s ahead.


Peace in the Waiting

Waiting can feel heavy, especially in times of grief, loss, or uncertainty. Yet Scripture reminds us there is peace available even in the waiting.

Psalm 37 says:“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.”

In the original language, “trust” conveys a picture of resting in God’s pasture. It’s an invitation to abide, to find peace and joy—even to “dance in the meadow”—while we wait for God’s perfect timing.

God doesn’t withhold answers because He is cruel. He withholds because He is wise. Sometimes He delays to protect us, to purify us, or to prepare us for what’s to come. His will is always our best-case scenario.


Living with Patience

So what does patience look like in our daily lives?

  • Surrendering control. Trusting God instead of rushing to fix everything ourselves.

  • Choosing faith over fear. Believing God’s promises even when we don’t see results.

  • Walking in humility. Letting go of pride and waiting on His perfect plan.

  • Pursuing God in the process. Using the waiting season to grow deeper in His Word and Spirit.

Patience is not putting life on pause—it’s pursuing God as we wait, knowing He is shaping our character, strengthening our faith, and preparing us for the blessings He has ahead.


Closing Encouragement

As we reflect on Charlie Kirk’s legacy and on the call to patience, let us remember: our hope is secure in Christ. Even in loss, confusion, and waiting, He is faithful.

Patience may not come naturally to us, but through the Spirit, it becomes possible. May we stand bold in truth, rooted in faith, and steadfast in patience as we live out the gospel in a hurting world.


“Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” — James 1:4

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