A Journey to Learning Patience
Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Think about going to an appointment and being given a number in the queue. After which you step outside for a moment and upon your return, you are told that your number or name was called and you have lost your turn. You may even be told that you will have to wait for the next available slot which can appear to take long, especially if you have other plans. At times this journey feels that way like somehow I have missed a season, or I am always waiting for something. Like me, do you feel this way at times? Waiting on God can be heavy especially on the days when the reality of our situation is staring us in our faces, even with us knowing all we know about Him and His faithfulness.
I remain in a place where I deeply desire to live in God’s will. However, it seems like He is taking forever to grant my desires or answer my prayers. I look around , people even younger than me have children, are married , have bought their home and I am like when will that be me Lord? It is dangerous to play the comparison game and everyone’s path is different. I do have those moments when I ask God what is happening in my life. From my perspective, it is not even envy, it just feels like I am always waiting for something from God. The good thing about having a relationship with God is how honest I can be with Him all within the boundaries of reverence and respect. He often gives a gentle, truthful and loving perspective.
Let us back track to many years ago in a little town called Bethany. There is a family of two sisters and a brother , very dear friends of Jesus. The brother Lazarus was sick unto death. News came to Jesus that his dear friend was sick. The account in John’s gospel said that when Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, He delayed because He loved him. I read this passage and I contrasted it with my own relationships. If a dear friend was sick especially unto death, I would be doing everything in my power to urgently visit the individual. Yet here is Jesus delaying his visit because of love, how could this be?
“Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.
John 11:5-6 (KJV)
I usually look at the story from the perspective that He delayed for God’s glory and while that is true, there is something deeper to be understood. He delayed because He loved them, this is mind boggling and celebratory. When we are in the season of waiting which can be very long, we may get frustrated, miserable and impatient. However I believe that God is delaying because of His great love for us and the panoramic view that He has concerning our desires and the future. This gives great comfort as He knows us more than we know ourselves.
God’s timing is best and He gives the best to His children. The load of the wait can be quite a weight on our minds and hearts but we must trust the character of God in these moments.
Life Interrupted 