We often look at our lives, and feel our prayers have gone unanswered then ask “when is He going to show up?”. I have asked myself that a time or two. We have to have patience during the in between times while we are waiting on God to work.. We also have to have faith that things will change, obstacles will move. Lastly, we have to know that God is merciful and faithful in His timing. These are all important things to remember in the waiting.
Patience is not an easy thing to come by. If you aren’t born with it naturally, it can create a lot of headaches in your life. Having children teaches you about patience. Everything that we ask for, all that we dream of is not going to happen at the drop of a hat. Character, resilience, and wisdom are all things that are gained while working through the problems of life. There is value in the waiting period, and going about your daily life trying to get stay one step ahead. Romans 12:12 puts it this way “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer”. This acknowledges that patience is required especially in the hard times. It is important to rejoice in hope, the hope for tomorrow and a better future. Also, to be in constant prayer during uncertain times, waiting on Him. Prayer is a strong weapon to use against attacks on our mental and physical well-being,and attacks against others (our children, our neighbors, our government). Praying for patience is highly recommended too in this world! Speaking of which, Proverbs 14:19 “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” Boy, can people show their hasty tempers especially in the hot weather! We are directly instructed to possess patience. Colossians 3:12, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” This is something that you can work on and develop. Having compassion and trying to understand someone else’s story creates an atmosphere of patience.
Faith is a tricky thing. Some people are easier with big-thing-faith than little-thing-faith. Some people can look at a mountain and say “I can do this” and then look at a daily struggle or a small speed bump and it throws a wrench into their faith. Other people are the opposite. Here is the thing, we shouldn’t desire to be on the other side of the coin, we should desire to be the one holding the coin. We should seek to cultivate a belief in faith for the big AND the small things. The same God is in control of both, it is easy to forget that! So how do we cultivate this way of thinking? First, we start at the beginning. Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” You have faith in God, that He died and on the 3rd day rose again, He is the living and breathing fulfillment of the words of the Bible. So ask yourself again what it is you don’t have faith in. We need to pray that God will fill our hearts and minds with understanding far beyond what we can comprehend Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” This means that if we have faith, and faith in Him with all things, He will help guide us in the right way to go. Do not take this lightly, this means that He is there in EVERY step, big and small, to guide you and help you. Have faith that He will be there when you rise in the morning and will be watching over you long after you lay your head to rest.
Have you ever had that moment where you drive by a bad accident and you think to yourself “If I had left just a little earlier, that could’ve been me!”. Or have you been in a situation where you are able to step in and stop someone from making a bad choice? That isn’t by accident, God is watching over you. He has a plan for you and has watched you grow and flourish. He wants good things in your life, to bless you far beyond what you can hope for. He is also a merciful and just God, not just to you but for everyone. Sometimes this causes pain in our lives in the form of somebody leaving, a job we love slipped away, someone who died way too young. Psalm 103:8, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy and loving-kindness.” He does not want to hurt you and bring you down. Some people are in our lives solely to teach us a lesson. There is something that we need to learn to carry with us into the future. Sometimes it is compassion for our children, sometimes it is how to relate to those going through a certain life crisis, and sometimes it is just because they were meant to pass through on their way to greater things. The great thing is that God is looking out for you, placing people in your path to help you succeed. God rejoices with you in the accomplishments and beams like a proud Father. Take solace in the fact that He can see EVERYTHING and He is working things out for YOUR good!
Hopefully this has given you some ideas and inspiration. Hopefully you can find some comfort in the fact that Jesus is here, arms wide open, waiting for you. There is nothing you have to do to impress Him or be worthy enough, just let Him into your heart today. Let Him help you have patience, restore your faith, and show you just how much He loves you!
Child Evangelism Fellowship Greater Greensboro 