“Did the mail arrive,” our high school senior asked breathlessly as she burst through the door after school.
“Yes,” I answered smiling, “but it hasn’t come yet.”
It was a college acceptance letter she’d been expecting for weeks, anticipating for years.
She knew she was set to graduate in a few short months and desperately wanted to know what God had next for her.
I wonder if Noah ever felt impatient floating around in the ark. Maybe Joseph was a tad impatient to see his dreams materialize. We know Sarah was impatient waiting to become a mom.
Yes, sometimes it’s just plain hard to wait. Yet, while we’re waiting, God is working. Even if we can’t see it.
But how do we learn to wait, and wait patiently?
One day at a time. Even, one minute at a time.
Lamentations 3:25 encourages us, “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks him.” (ESV)
We don’t want to run ahead of the Lord. He will reward our obedience and help us develop patience.
Psalm 27:14 reminds us, “Wait for the Lord, be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord.” (ESV)
As we mature in faith, we realize nothing of value comes from diving in without God’s blessing. We can trust God. We can trust His timing. We can trust His reasoning will benefit us.
Even when we can’t understand it.
Even when it’s oh, so hard to wait.
At the end of the day when patience is hard to find, a verse from Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of God’s goodness, “’I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord. ‘Plans to prosper you, not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.’” (NIV)
Our daughter eventually received that letter. She is happily a student at the college of her dreams. She tasted a few lessons in growing patience as her senior year of high school played out.
Are you in a place of waiting today? Maybe like me, you find it ridiculously hard to wait at times. His promises can sustain us while we wait. We know, no matter what, He has only the best for us. He has a reason for the waiting. We can trust Him.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your wisdom, You unfailing love, and Your promises. You already know what I need, when I need it. Please teach me patience and trust as I learn to lean on You. Thank You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Are you in the midst of a trial? Sometimes it’s hard to claim God’s promises when we feel stuck in that hard, messy place. Sign up for biblical inspiration delivered to your inbox and receive a free pdf copy of 6 Promises to Cling to During Trials.