The Journey To Learning Patience
Philippians 3:13 (NLT) No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead
Waiting is never easy. We wait our turn at the gas station, fast food outlets, banks, in line at concerts and even to get our hair done. The paradox comes when we have to wait on God, that is when we grow really weary. Is it because we know that God has the power to do anything why we get weary waiting on Him? The same God who has the power to change anything and give us everything, also knows what is best. There are so many questions that often flood my mind when I am waiting on God. Will He come through how I want Him to? Why does He seem silent? Why is this happening? Waiting requires trust in whoever we are waiting on. As I reflect on what was said earlier about us waiting for various reasons, we often have the confidence that who we are waiting on will come through. These people might very well let us down but not God. When we wait on God, we can have total confidence as He is faithful. We cannot understand the depth, height and width of God’s love. His love is boundless and reckless. He is calling us to a place of trust and resting in His truth.
The fruit of patience is developed when we wait. Patience is the key to seeing God’s will fulfilled and a lack of it can be detrimental to our spiritual well being. When we think of some fruits, they have layers that we have to peel through before we can partake of them. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit and there are many layers to it. It is not developed overnight nor can we “peel it” in one go. It is a continuous process, which is only produced during seasons of waiting. In waiting, patience is like a tree whose root is hidden beyond the ground but is slowly growing without us seeing. Impatience will stop the tree from blossoming and bearing fruit. God loves us and wants the best for us. There is a necessity for the fruit of patience to be developed in us. This is crucial for our spiritual walk. In John 11:5-6, Jesus delayed and it brought glory to God. In that delay was a transition from life to death, physically for Lazarus who was raised and spiritually for the people who believed that day. Our story is not about us, it is for God’s glory. Waiting produces patience which results in spiritual and at times physical blessings, not only for us but those around us. There is always someone looking on, whether we know it or not. Your waiting may also be so that you can impact someone in the future. Waiting can get heavy at times due to the burden of the unknown. Our “load” will only be lightened when we change our perspective and focus. God can be trusted with our life and outcomes. Let us rest in the fact that He who promised is FAITHFUL!
Hebrews 10:23 (KJV) Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
Life Interrupted 