Set Me Free: Devotions From Time of Grace MinistryPrøve

SET ME FREE FROM MENTAL PRISONS: IMPATIENCE When you're a kid, you're always waiting for something. Waiting to be old enough to try out for the team. Waiting to get your license. Waiting until the prom. Waiting to get accepted into the college you want. Waiting to have enough money to buy a car. It's good to be focused on a goal. It's bad to be so into what you want that you no longer enjoy the place you are right now. What are you longing for right now? Is the wait driving you crazy? Does God's "slowness" make you doubt his love? his power? his wisdom? David had to wait for seven years after his coronation to be fully accepted as king of Israel. During part of that time, he had to live in exile, waiting, waiting, waiting for God to do something. He learned from experience that God's ways are worth the wait. "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD" (Psalm 27:13,14). You've heard the old saying about smelling the roses? Walk a little slower. Look around a little more. Notice the people around you--some were sent directly by God. Listen first; talk later. Tip waitresses well. Take time to hug people. Let God's plans ripen, knowing that they are all good plans.