Waiting, Waiting and Waiting

"If a man says he will fix it, he WILL. There is no need to remind him every 3 months!" I saw this on social media and loved it! But it really did get me thinking about how I like to get things done. And that includes what God and I have to do. When will I learn that it is not on my timeline?

Patience is one of the fruits of the spirit that increases as we transform to be more like Christ. Galatians 5: 22-23, "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!" NLT When we rely on the Holy Spirit, He empowers us to calmly wait, while trusting God. We never know who is watching but a calm demeanor, during trying times, can be a powerful witness. Look back at Noah waiting on the rain. Daniel waited all night in a den full of lions. Abraham and Sarah waited until old age for the arrival of their promised son, Isaac.

Impatience is how we were born. We weren't born with the ability to be patient but God gives us that ability when we accept Jesus' forgiveness. God shows us patience in the way He deals with us. God could end this dark world at any moment, but He waits so that all may come to repentance. 2 Peter 3: 9, "The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent." He gives us opportunity after opportunity to see His patience. As we practice being patient, this gift will grow in us.

Psalm 27: 14, "Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." Whatever we are going through, we may not understand but God will teach us through this journey. After all, "the good Lord didn’t create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close."

Patience means trusting God even when the circumstances haven't changed yet. "God works in His timing, not yours. Have patience!"