I find that between being hyperactive and living in the ‘microwave generation,’ being patient is not the easiest thing to do. Isn’t it funny that we often accuse God of having poor timing? I mean, we just know that the Lord has fouled up this time, don’t we? Yet, time after time, God’s Word whispers firmly but gently to me, ‘Be patient.’ However, I can choose not to be patient. I can strive and try to out-muscle and out-wit God (which stems from pride). The end result of doing things my way is always disaster and never peaceful.
Frank Sinatra sold a million records declaring, “My Way”. Jesus Christ sweat drops of blood in Gethsemane declaring to His Father, “Thy way”. My way is the way of impatience; God’s way is the patient way. Psalm 37:7 tells us to “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him”. In other words, trust in Him and His timing.
Now being patient does not encourage inactivity, but there are many times when God might speak a promise to your heart and yet the fruition of that promise may not occur until years later. (Remember Abraham’s promised son?) We often need to exercise patience after we have done God’s will because rarely are the promises fulfilled immediately (or ‘microwave style’). In fact, I have discovered that the Lord, in between the time of my petition and His answer, is just as concerned with my attitude and response to Him during the waiting period as He is about granting my request.
Quite often tribulation comes during this time; the devil attacks immediately. Winds of adversity and clouds of gloom overcome me. I hit the ‘eject’ switch and the panic button at the same time, and cry out to the Lord, “Help! I can’t last! I’m going to fall!” His response? ‘Child, be patient. Don’t confuse how you feel with what I am doing.’ I say, convicted, that when I get impatient with the Lord, my heart’s prayer should be, ‘Lord, be patient with me!’ Thank God, He is! In fact, He’s more than patient; He’s longsuffering.
God’s Word exhorts us to patiently continue in well-doing; be patient in tribulation; be patient toward all men; patiently await the return of Jesus; and be patient when wrongly accused. In fact, our experience with Jesus is be as running a race with patience. How can we possibly do this? The only way is by “looking unto Jesus”. If you trust Him as the Lord of your life, instead of seeking to escape from the trials, come to His throne of grace. You’ll find that as you wait on Him, He will renew your strength.
So, saints, be patient! God’s timing is always right, and very beautiful.
