Wait on God

Have you ever been waiting at a restaurant for your food, and found yourself becoming agitated because dinner hasn’t arrived? Have you ever been in a queue at a cashpoint wondering how someone could take so long? Have you ever gone to God in a time of need, prayed, and wondered if God is even listening?

One of the characteristics of love is patience. However, when you think about all of the above scenarios, none of them sound desirable or pleasant. Culturally, we’re not encouraged to be patient either, with so much available to us instantaneously. Text messages go between phones in a matter of seconds. If we see something we like on amazon we can get it the very next day- and God forbid it comes in 2. If we’re hungry, pop something in the microwave and it’s ready in a minute. Therefore, to be people of patience is counter-cultural.

Patience is something much deeper than passively waiting. It is an active hope which comes from trusting that God is who he says he is: compassionate, kind, and faithful. So whether we’re waiting for an answer to prayer, or simply for the bus which is running late- just be still. Trust God and remember who he is. Accept that every moment, every breath we breathe, every good thing we experience is a gift. He is faithful, and because of His faithfulness, we can afford to be patient, despite how we feel. 

Love is a characteristic which God wants us to express (1 Corinthians 13:4) But love itself has characteristics. One of which is patience. This can be a sticky one, especially for those of us growing up today. So many things are available almost instantaneously to us. Text messages go between phones in a matter of seconds. If we see something we like on amazon we can get it the very next day (and God forbid it comes in 2). If we’re hungry, pop something in the microwave and it’s ready in a minute. Impatience is common in our culture, and even perhaps in human nature.

Jesus, God Himself in the flesh spoke to His followers and told them not to worry for anything (Mat 6:25-34). To trust the Father that He would provide for their needs. Nonetheless, it's easy to get frustrated at God when you feel like you are in need of or want something you know He can provide, I know, I’ve been there. But if we’ve made our requests known all we need is to simply be patient and wait on Him. Patience isn’t merely suffering in silence waiting for time to go by. Patience is being able to accept the fact that circumstances are out of our control, and trusting God to do what He says He will do. It’s a heart attitude, one that is driven by love. 

So whether we’re waiting for an answered prayer or simply for the bus which is running off schedule, just be still. Trust God and accept that every moment, every breath we breathe, every good thing we experience is a gift. He is faithful, and because of His faithfulness, we can afford to be patient. Despite how we feel.