“Lord, give me patience, and give it to me now!” That is the legend on a humorous plaque sold in many Christian bookstores. It makes its point. But it tells only half the story of patience. There are many situations that call for patience. James says, “Wait patiently then, brothers” (5:7). It is not one option among many; it is not a virtue or gift granted to the few. God commands all Christians—including you—to “wait patiently.” Four times in James 5:7–10 He insists