Patience Observed

Patience Observed

2 Peter 3: ⁸ But do not forget one thing, my dear friends! There is no difference in the Lord's sight between one day and a thousand years; to him the two are the same. ⁹ The Lord is not slow to do what he has promised, as some think. Instead, he is patient with you, because he does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants all to turn away from their sins.

 

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Fresh out of school, I felt I did not know anything. I was given an assignment and looked at it like a deer in the headlights of a speeding truck. I timidly asked “How do I do this?” My immediate supervisor was frustrated. But his boss gave him a different way. He told my immediate supervisor to teach me what I needed to know.

 

• Both bosses needed to have patience while I learned what to do.
• I tried to accelerate my studies, but I needed to learn too much.
• It took time for me to learn and when I did, I was able to excel.

 

Peter explained to the believers of JESUS that HIS return may seem slow, but is patient. He also explains that GOD wants everyone to be saved and is showing extreme patience until the last person accepts CHRIST.

 

My Observations:

• GOD has seen my creation and my eternal life with HIM at the same time.
• Time may seem slow to me, but to GOD, it is instant.
• I have to realize that when I want out of trials or when I want something different to happen, it takes time and I have to learn GOD’s patience.

 

“Can YOU just give me patience right now?!” is the joke. I mean, can’t GOD just zap me with the patience I need? No. GOD is very methodical and allows the same trials to appear in my life, over and over and over and over and… you get the picture.

 

HE is not doing this to punish me, rather prepare me. HE sees areas in my life that need strengthening and what better way to get stronger in weak areas but to go through the same thing until I can get through it with the results HE knows I can achieve. I am glad GOD has the patience with me to watch me grow.

 

Challenge

• What one thing is the writer reminding us about?
• Has someone ever been patient with you even thought you were messing up in a huge way?
• Will you take time to recognize GOD’s patience with you and see that HE wants you to grow by reducing sin in your life today?

Patiently Waiting

Patiently Waiting

Hebrews 9: ²³ Those things, which are copies of the heavenly originals, had to be purified in that way. But the heavenly things themselves require much better sacrifices. ²⁴ For Christ did not go into a Holy Place made by human hands, which was a copy of the real one. He went into heaven itself, where he now appears on our behalf in the presence of God. ²⁵ The Jewish high priest goes into the Most Holy Place every year with the blood of an animal. But Christ did not go in to offer himself many times, ²⁶ for then he would have had to suffer many times ever since the creation of the world. Instead, now when all ages of time are nearing the end, he has appeared once and for all, to remove sin through the sacrifice of himself. ²⁷ Everyone must die once, and after that be judged by God. ²⁸ In the same manner Christ also was offered in sacrifice once to take away the sins of many. He will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are waiting for him.

 

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Craning my neck, I looked for a bus. I did not see the distinctive headlights shining off in the distance, so I decided to walk. “I bet I could beat the bus” I said to myself. Far into my trip I saw a but coming. I ran to the nearest stop, but the bus passed me. It was full. I kept walking and another bus did the same. I missed two busses!

 

• I could have had a seat on the bus.
• I did not want to wait because I could not see anything coming.
• I thought I could take matters in my own hands, but found myself worse off.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, continues his discussion about sacrifices. One sacrifice that humans performed was a copy of “the real thing.” Humans would need to die for sins, but instead, they used animals. JESUS, on the other hand, used HIMSELF as the perfect sacrifice. HE did all this for those who “wait” on HIM.

 

My Observations:

• I sometimes forget that life is all about CHRIST trying to redeem me.
• I get lost by focusing on the day to day problems, so I take matters into my own hands.
• When I wait on the LORD, I can still live life, but in a way that knows HE can return any minute.
• Knowing JESUS will return, changes some of my decisions to take matters into my own hands.

 

Wait on the LORD is sometimes confusing to me. I mean, should I do something or do nothing? I believe it means live life as if HE can return any moment. I ask myself, “What would I like to be caught doing when HE returns?” Obviously, I would Like to be doing something HE would prefer.

 

JESUS will return to save those who are waiting on HIM. Every step taken should be towards HIM, not away. All the activity done on earth that points to HIS return is a form of waiting. I gladly wait on HIM and hope HE finds me serving who HE wants me to serve.

 

Challenge

• What “copy” is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever lost your patience and tried to take matters into your own hands?
• Will you ask GOD for guidance in your activities, so HE will help you prepare for HIS return someday?

While Waiting

While Waiting

Titus 2: ¹¹ For God has revealed his grace for the salvation of all people. ¹² That grace instructs us to give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world, ¹³ as we wait for the blessed Day we hope for, when the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ will appear. ¹⁴ He gave himself for us, to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us a pure people who belong to him alone and are eager to do good.

¹⁵ Teach these things and use your full authority as you encourage and rebuke your hearers. Let none of them look down on you.

 

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Looking at the clock, I noticed that I still had hours remaining before I could leave. I was bored and it was bright and sunny outside. I stared out the window for a moment, hoping that time had sped up miraculously. I looked at the clock again and only a few minutes passed. “This is taking forever!” I thought to myself.

 

• I wanted to be done with what I was doing.
• I was getting impatient, because I had “nothing” to do.
• It seemed like time had slowed down because I wanted something different to happen.

 

Paul spoke about the revelation of JESUS and HIS power to provide salvation to all who believe in HIM. He provides words of hope that someday JESUS will appear again. But until then, “grace instructs us” to live a life that is pleasing to GOD.

 

My Observations

• Even though I am not seeing something happening, doesn’t mean GOD is not working.
• Abundant life happens when I live for GOD the way HE wants me to.
• GOD has plenty for me to do while I wait on JESUS to return.

 

Waiting on the LORD is difficult, especially for the impatient. I mean, HE did not give a day or time when HE is coming back. This makes it feel like the hours pass by slower and slower as I wait for the LORD to end all problems, pains and trials. BUT GOD has a remedy for my impatience and boredom.

 

HE gives me tasks to seek HIS kingdom in preparation for the return of our LORD and Savior JESUS CHRIST. HE wants me to live a life that not only pleases HIM, but draws people back to HIM. The world has appeal in ways that draw people away from HIM and HE wants all to be saved. I gladly give my time to the LORD and I patiently wait on HIM by doing HIS work.

 

Challenge

• What “Day” does the writer speak of?
• Have you ever waited on something and it seemed like it would take forever to arrive?
• Will you seek GOD’s Kingdom and give your life to HIM so HE will give you tasks to serve HIM with abundant life while you wait on HIS return?

Gentle Correction

Gentle Correction

2 Timothy 2: ²² Avoid the passions of youth, and strive for righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who with a pure heart call out to the Lord for help. ²³ But keep away from foolish and ignorant arguments; you know that they end up in quarrels. ²⁴ As the Lord's servant, you must not quarrel. You must be kind toward all, a good and patient teacher, ²⁵ who is gentle as you correct your opponents, for it may be that God will give them the opportunity to repent and come to know the truth. ²⁶ And then they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the Devil, who had caught them and made them obey his will.

 

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Being insecure and tired of being pushed around was a bad combination for me. On one hand, I had run into my share of bullies on the other, I ran into my share of mean people who called me names. I decided to fight back against aggressive and passive aggressive bullies.

 

• I armed myself with physical strength to fight overt bullies.
• I listened to passive aggressive jabs and was ready for a retort against covert bullies.
• I was always ready to “defend” “my” territory, “my” reputation and “my” actions.

 

Paul warns Timothy not to quarrel. He knew that fighting would get Timothy nowhere. He appeals to him as “the LORD’s servant” to be a kind, good and patient teacher who gently corrects. He then gives the reason. Because GOD may have them repent.

 

My Observations

• I did not trust GOD to handle my battles, BUT HE wants to.
• I did not believe that GOD cared about me enough to work out my quarrels, BUT HE wants me to be different.
• I thought I needed to correct everyone so he or she could see the LORD, but I was wrong, it takes gentleness and GOD’s leading to bring people to HIM.

 

Impatience mixed with correction wins a battle and loses the war. I mean, I have lost my cool with my family, friends and neighbors and could not mention JESUS to them. This is a tragic loss. BUT GOD says to me, “There is another way.”

 

HE wants me to try something different. Instead of winning the battle, HE wants me to focus on the war, namely having each member of my family truly believe in JESUS and HIM equipping each to proclaim HIM in a glorifying way. I have to be secure in my relationship with JESUS to allow opposition to HIS ways and be patient and gentle so HE can win them over. I will gladly learn gentleness in exchange for the souls of people I encounter.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about being “combative?”
• Have you ever been right and could not wait to win “this” fight?
• Will you stop quarrelling and let GOD move that person towards HIM by your gentle, patient corrections, knowing HE could save him or her from the “Devil’s trap” in HIS time?

Full Patience

Full Patience

1 Timothy 1: ¹⁴ And our Lord poured out his abundant grace on me and gave me the faith and love which are ours in union with Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ This is a true saying, to be completely accepted and believed: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. I am the worst of them, ¹⁶ but God was merciful to me in order that Christ Jesus might show his full patience in dealing with me, the worst of sinners, as an example for all those who would later believe in him and receive eternal life. ¹⁷ To the eternal King, immortal and invisible, the only God—to him be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.

 

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Stopped at a light, I decided to turn right on red. As I proceeded to turn I felt the car stop. The driving instructor had a separate braking system to keep me from danger. When I looked up, a car, that had the green light, passed through the intersection. He patiently said “Look both ways when turning right on red.”

 

• I was about to make a huge mistake.
• I needed correction and patience at the same time.
• I had to accept that I did something wrong and patiently add this lesson to my skill.

 

Paul recognizes where his talents came from. He regretted his past life, but moved on to the life CHRIST gave him. He spoke about the LORD’s abundant grace, faith and love that is poured out even when we don’t have it for ourselves.

 

My Observations

• Admitting I was and am a sinner enables me to be cleansed by JESUS, who is faithful and just.
• Believing that I need CHRIST to forgive me and guide me daily, helps me not waste time on those who make me feel less than my calling.
• Confessing my flaws to GOD the FATHER, is a privilege I have gained by having a relationship with JESUS.

 

Praise GOD! That had to be said. I mean, HE saw me, pitiful, sinning, scheming, weak and lonely; yet HE said “I want you.” “Why me?” I ask. Then it hit me, it’s because GOD wanted me.

 

HE is so full of grace, that HE can’t seem to contain  it. HE pours it out on me and the result is faith and love because of my union with CHRIST. I am so glad HE has full patience and grace for me and love for me and you!

 

Challenge

• Can you feel how fired up the writer is?
• Have you ever felt like a failure because of the past?
• Are you walking cautiously and not expressing GOD’s faith, nor HIS love?
• Will you confess your doubt and believe that GOD has patience and called you to the most honorable task of speaking about JESUS, the eternal KING, today?

 

Praise

To the eternal KING, immortal and invisible, the only GOD --- to HIM be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen!

Learned Satisfaction

Learned Satisfaction

Philippians 4: ¹² I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. ¹³ I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.

 

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Tired of being poor, I sat and pouted. “Why do ‘bad’ people seem to get their way in life?” was my complaint to GOD. After my complaint, my car broke down. “This isn’t fair!” I complained.

 

• I was not satisfied with my life.
• Most of my thoughts and words were on problems in my life.
• “Everything” seemed bleak and I was not satisfied with the way things were.

 

At one time Paul was not content. He read the Law with fervor and was discontent with how other people lacked his conviction. He had people murdered because of his discontentment. GOD had to teach him a new way. He learned how to be content.

 

My Observations

• Being in need has a purpose with GOD that I sometimes do not understand.
• Having plenty can be dangerous because I can quickly forget I need GOD.
• Being content when I am in need or have plenty takes practice and is a gift given only from GOD.

 

Contentment is detestable to those who are never satisfied. I mean, if things have to go a certain way, those who are discontent will never reach satisfaction. After a while, even GOD cannot provide enough.

 

My discontentment can be detestable to GOD. Fortunately, HE understands. HE gently takes things away that I do not need and gives me an opportunity to say “Thank YOU for all YOU have done.” HE gives me things and I can say “Thank YOU for all YOU have done.” Yes it is the same statement because everything is HIS. I am glad HE gives me chances to learn how to be content.

 

Challenge

• How long do you think it took the writer to learn how to be content?
• Are there parts of your life that you are not satisfied with?
• Do you have complaints, worries or are dissatisfied with anything or anyone?
• Will you learn from GOD how to be satisfied in your situation, so you can be satisfied with other people HE wants to save today?

Patience

Patience

2 Corinthians 12: ¹¹ I am acting like a fool—but you have made me do it. You are the ones who ought to show your approval of me. For even if I am nothing, I am in no way inferior to those very special “apostles” of yours. ¹² The many miracles and wonders that prove that I am an apostle were performed among you with much patience. ¹³ How were you treated any worse than the other churches, except that I did not bother you for financial help? Please forgive me for being so unfair!

 

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Listening to his plea did not feel comfortable. He listed all the things he had done for the company but I was told to get rid of several people. “You have to make the hard calls if you want to be in this position” were the sentiments of my peers and other leaders.

 

• I sometimes took lessons from the impatient and applied them to other parts of my life.
• I sometimes looked at everything from the bottom line.
• I sometimes valued money over what was truly valuable.

 

Paul expressed his concern that the people had turned away from the following of JESUS to listen to others who may have been smooth talkers. Paul had performed many miracles that people were witnessed to. Only GOD could have allowed the miracles he performed, yet the people turned away. Paul started to get impatient.

 

My Observations

• When I get impatient, I have to turn back to GOD to ask “How come YOU are patient with me?”
• GOD wants me to serve others so I need to continue to ask HIM for patience.
• Looking at the progress of others can take my eyes off of the patience GOD wants me to have for them and myself.

 

“Have patience” is easy to say but hard to follow. I mean, when times are fast paced or anxious or stressful, using patience is the best thing to do, yet I found myself caught up in quick solutions that may not work. GOD’s solutions sometimes don’t come quick enough for me so I jump in with “my” plan, then I “tell” HIM to help “me” with “my” plan.

 

GOD patiently says “No” and guides me to a better plan. HE then shows me how impatient I have been with others and wants me to take a deep breath and slow down. HE then says, “Be patient with yourself so you can be patient with others.” This gives me the permission to mess up big and know HE patiently loves me anyway. I am glad GOD has patience with me and loves me dearly.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer is so upset?
• Have you ever worked very hard on something and were met with criticism or been overlooked for a promotion or devalued in some way?
• Will you turn your thoughts to GOD who has shown you infinite patience and ask for a small dose of HIS patience so you can continue with your purpose today?

Not When But What

Not When But What

Acts 1: ⁴ And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; ⁵ for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” ⁶ Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷ And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. ⁸ But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

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Looking at the clock I dreaded the displayed time. “Will we ever get out of school?” I said to myself. I looked back at the clock and only two minutes had passed. Another time, I glanced at a timeclock. “Will I ever get off work?” I said to myself. The smoke filled bowling alley had gotten on my nerves and I wanted to be home.

• Many times I have been impatient.
• Many times I wanted everything to be corrected right then and there.
• Many times I wanted to be delivered from a circumstance because the situation had gone on for years, with no end in sight.

JESUS explains “what” will happen, but the people wanted to know “when.” HE then says ““It is not for you to know times or seasons which the FATHER has put in HIS own authority.” He then gives them more of a glimpse into “what” they should be focused on.

• GOD wants me to focus on what HE wants me to do.
• GOD wants me to be prepared to speak about HIM at all times.
• GOD wants me to be a witness to HIM wherever HE sends me.

“Wait for the Promise of the FATHER” are words that are sometimes hard to grasp. BUT GOD gives me something else to focus on. HE sends me to HIS harvest, which is plentiful, and gives me plenty to do. Since many of HIS promises can take several human lifetimes, HE wants me to focus on “what” HE wants me to do with HIS kingdom.

GOD guides me to those HE seeks and only I can reach. HE sends many to do the same. “Wait on the LORD” are words I accept and while I’m waiting, I will praise HIM.

• Are you waiting on GOD?
• Have you been waiting on HIM for years or even decades?”
• Will you focus your attention on “what” HE wants you to do so you can take your mind off of “when” HE will deliver you or those you have been praying for?

Patient to a Point

Luke 13: ⁶ He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. ⁷ Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ ⁸ But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. ⁹ And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ”

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“Get rid of that person” were the words I feared as I stumbled to find my way on my first job. I did not know how complicated everything was and my direct boss was definitely of no assistance. His boss, however, was patient with me and decided to give me a little space to “study” my way into the position.

• There were times when I patient people watching over me.
• There were times when I was the one who was messing up but someone gave me grace.
• There were times when I had no direction so I needed an extra dose of forgiveness.

JESUS tells the parable of the barren fig tree. He explains the expectation of the tree is to bear fruit. If the tree does not bear fruit then it should be cut down. HE then takes a turn in the story by saying, the gardener begged to show the fruitless tree some mercy but to a point.

• The HOLY SPIRIT begs for forgiveness daily on my behalf.
• The HOLY SPIRIT has patience with me and shows me mercy daily.
• The HOLY SPIRIT wants me to bear fruit and shows me the way to true life.

GOD wants me to be successful and the HOLY SPIRIT cares for me. BUT GOD has an expectation that at some point I bear fruit. If my world only consists of “me” then I will not bear the fruit GOD expects. HE provides fertile ground and brings many people to me in expectation that I speak about the HOLY ONE, who is the CHRIST.

My silence equals barren fruit and while GOD is patient, HE could someday say “enough.” HE holds death in HIS hands and once HE provides it, there is no return. I am glad GOD has patience with me.

• Do you feel you are messing up?
• Do you feel lost and without direction?
• Can you believe GOD has patience with you and wants you to succeed?
• Will you ask GOD how HE wants you to bear fruit for HIM today in spite of your situation?

Patient Fruit

Luke 8: ⁹ Then His disciples asked Him, saying, “What does this parable mean?”

¹⁰ And He said, “To you it has been given to know the ^[f]mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is given in parables, that

‘Seeing they may not see,
And hearing they may not understand.’

¹¹ “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. ¹² Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.¹³ But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. ¹⁴ Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. ¹⁵ But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.

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“When will I ever be respected?” I said frustrated. I mean every word I said seemed to be stolen by someone in the room and credited to them. I decided I had enough. “I quit” was my solution to the situation. My patience had grown thin.

• Sometimes I want what I want, when I want it.
• Sometimes I get frustrated by circumstances out of my control.
• Sometimes I lose my patience for things going on around me.

JESUS explains the parable of the sower. HE sums up all of life in a few brief sentences. HE basically says that life will have temptations, interruptions, difficulties OR fruit. It is my choice.

• GOD says to me “Bear fruit with patience.”
• GOD says to me “Hear MY word and place it in your heart.”
• GOD says to me “Ask me for a noble and good heart.”

My selfish heart has more statements that revolve around me. The more I’m focused on me the more life can beat me up. GOD wants me to see more than me. HE wants to remove my blindness so I won’t fall into life’s holes so easily. HE gives me patience to not only endure trials, but to accept grace HE has for me and those who are disgusted with me. HE loves my fruit.

• Are you bearing GOD’s fruit?
• Are you so focused on yourself that no one else matters?
• Can you have patience through trials and with “that” person today?

Heart Timing

Luke 1: ⁵ There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. ⁶ And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. ⁷ But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.

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“LORD can I please have ___” was a prayer I prayed numerous times. The first time I prayed it, I opened my eyes and was immediately disappointed with GOD because whatever I asked for did not magically appear. I tried something different. I tried being good for a while so maybe GOD would put the answer to my prayer in my stocking. HE was silent for years.

• Sometimes I got mad at GOD for HIS slowness.
• Sometimes I prayed in desperation to GOD only to be met with silence.
• Sometimes I asked GOD over and over and nothing came to fruition.

Zacharias and Elizabeth walked with the LORD and GOD was pleased with them, but they had no child because Elizabeth was barren and they were both well advanced in years. It sounded like they wanted children, but, alas they relegated their expectations to serving GOD without getting the desires of their heart.

• GOD wants me to place the desires of my heart in front of HIM without timing expectations.
• GOD wants me to ask for anything and expect to receive it, but not in my frantic timing.
• GOD wants me to depend on HIM for all my answers but do it with patience and endurance.

Temporary goodness is easily seen by GOD. HE can tell when I am trying to get something from HIM and when I manipulate the situation by straightening up for a second then immediately go back to my old ways once I get what I want. GOD wants me to truly follow HIM without pouting over HIS timing. HE deserves praise daily.

• Are you tired of waiting so you have started complaining about GOD?
• Has GOD taken care of you and you have not recognized HIS care?
• Can you continue to walk blameless before the LORD by telling people about the grace HE has given you today?

How Long?

Jeremiah 47: ⁶ “‘Alas, sword of the Lord,
    how long till you rest?
Return to your sheath;
    cease and be still.’
⁷ But how can it rest
    when the Lord has commanded it,
when he has ordered it
    to attack Ashkelon and the coast?”

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“Are we there yet?” was my first question followed by “how long ‘til we get there?” Staring at the same cornfield seemed agonizing to me as a child but quite peaceful to me now, but that’s another story. When I went to the dentist, he asked “how long has this been hurting?” Another time I sat through a final exam and wondered “how much longer do I have to do this?” On a boring job I had to stop wearing a watch because the day would creep by in an agonizing way.

• When I am in pain I ask “how long?”
• When I want something to change I ask “how long?”
• When I am in a situation that seems to go on forever I ask “how long?”

Honestly, I really don’t want the answer to “how long” sometimes. I mean if the answer is “a few minutes” the question should not be “how long should I hold my hand in the fire?” “How long?” is a question I ask GOD quite often. The real question I am asking HIM is “Can you hurry up and change this situation in my favor?” HIS answer to “how long” may be “decades more” when I want something cured right away.

• GOD holds onto my future so I do not have to worry about it.
• GOD repairs my past so I do not have to dwell on it.
• GOD stays with me in the present so I can be confident in it.

Time is GOD’s. The writer says “A thousand years are but a day to the LORD.” In other words, HE can be extremely patient with me for as long as it takes. The situations I go through enable me to grow and GOD has just the right amount of time to hold me in the fire, to refine me like gold. “How long?” is a valid question but I have learned to answer the question myself with “Thank YOU LORD for bringing me through this like all other situations.”

• Are you going through something?
• Does it seem like you have been going through this situation for years?
• Can you ask GOD the real question “Will YOU change my heart to be YOURS?”
• Will you add praise to your life daily so you can gain endurance?

Waiting Period

Isaiah 8: ¹⁶ Bind up this testimony of warning
    and seal up God’s instruction among my disciples.
¹⁷ I will wait for the Lord,
    who is hiding his face from the descendants of Jacob.
I will put my trust in him.

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“Will this person ever stop talking” is what I thought to myself as I wanted the meeting to be over with. “Will this person just move over” I thought to myself as they were driving one mile under the speed limit. “Why won’t they just promote me right now” I thought to myself as I rushed to be at the top.

• Sometimes I am impatient.
• Sometimes I want it right now.
• Sometimes I do not want to wait.

Impatience is something I definitely embrace. It is a heralded quality in business and celebrated throughout the world. The success in business can however be a detriment. It is hard to turn on and off patience as money and time seem to be needed more and more. What am I to do?

• GOD says to me “Seal up MY instructions in people” which takes time.
• GOD says to me “Wait on the LORD for your deliverance” so sometimes I have to remain where I am for a little while longer.
• GOD says to me “Put your trust in the LORD” which means I shouldn’t always jump into HIS plans trying to fix the situation.

Patience means I can sit back and “trust” GOD. I can know that HIS plan will unfold just as HE says. HE is the one who delivers me in HIS way and in HIS time. I should not fret over the current circumstance because HIS plan is too marvelous for me.

• Are you stuck in a situation for a long time?
• Are you losing your patience?
• Can you trust that GOD wants you to grow and HE needs you to place your trust in HIM?

Waiting Takes Patience

Psalm 130: ¹ Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
²     Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
    to my cry for mercy.

³ If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
    Lord, who could stand?
⁴ But with you there is forgiveness,
    so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

⁵ I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
    and in his word I put my hope.
⁶ I wait for the Lord
    more than watchmen wait for the morning,
    more than watchmen wait for the morning.

⁷ Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
    for with the Lord is unfailing love
    and with him is full redemption.
⁸ He himself will redeem Israel
    from all their sins.

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It was a normal game of hide and seek and this may have been my first time. I ran to some close location and hid partially, anticipating the “seeker” to go and look for others. As I stuck my head out from a bush, I was immediately caught. “You have to have patience” is what someone told me. “Waiting takes too long” I replied.

• When I want something I sometimes cannot wait.
• When I am seeking something I sometimes cannot wait.
• When I desire something I sometimes cannot wait.

Multiply my impatience by one thousand when it comes to, what I call a crisis. When I perceive things going wrong, I spring into action planning, executing mitigation and yes, praying. Sometimes I get immediate response and sometimes the response comes years later. I don’t like waiting for years!

• GOD says to me “Wait on the LORD” which requires patience.
• GOD says to me “MY strength is made perfect in your weakness” which requires fortitude.
• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid for I AM with you always” which requires trust.

Rifling through my mind, trying to remember my sins is a waste of time, especially when I am forgiven. If GOD reacted to every one of my sins I would never have come out of my mother’s womb. Yes HE wants me to sin “less” so I can trust “more.” HE wants me to wait on HIS delivery without throwing in the towel on HIM. GOD is where my hope lies.

• Are you impatient?
• Do you think GOD has left you or forgotten you?
• Can you remember that HE said HE would NEVER leave you nor forsake you?
• Will you continue to place your hope in GOD no matter how misguided it is?

Someone Cares About Me

Psalm 55: ²² Cast your cares on the Lord
    and he will sustain you;
he will never let
    the righteous be shaken.

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Staring at the phone did not make it ring. I even checked it to make sure that it worked, thinking “maybe the ringer is broken. Does anyone care?” I was not used to the silence after my noisy lifestyle of being the “party maker.” Staring at the phone again later in life still did not make it ring. This time I waited on a higher paying job after my noisy lifestyle of being the “hotshot programmer.” I checked the phone thinking “maybe the ringer is broken. Does anyone care?” I was used to headhunters calling me and they had stopped.

Staring at email did not make the responses come through, “maybe they didn’t get my email. Does anyone care?” I wonder if there is a pattern!

• When I want something and I am not getting it, I wonder if anyone cares.
• When I desire something and I am not getting my way, I wonder if anyone cares.
• When I crave something and I am not quenching want, I wonder if anyone cares.

“Does anyone care?” has run across my mind a few times in my life, usually when I faced an extended wait period. My party crowd had found their parties and the business crowd their candidate. “What about me?” blinded me to the care that was given to me.

• GOD says to me “I care for you deeper than you can ever imagine.”
• GOD says to me “I love you deeply and I will never leave you.”
• GOD says to me “I can handle whatever you are concerned about and I will sustain you.”

GOD knows every concern I may have, yet it is very liberating to search myself and tell HIM what is bothering me. When I tell GOD about my concern, HE gives me peace. HE sustains me through storms and does not let me become shaken.

• Are you going through a storm?
• Do you feel that no one cares?
• Can you place your cares at GOD’s feet?
• Will you understand that GOD cares about you deeply?

Slow Down

Psalm 38: ¹⁵ Lord, I wait for you;
    you will answer, Lord my God.

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My hand quickly pounded on the horn as the car in front of me sat there like they had no place to be. I raised my engine high as I passed everyone on the road. I got to work and my admin did not have my schedule together, “Please hurry” was my request as I had numerous meeting to prepare for. When an emergency popped up, I went faster and faster. “Where are you GOD, and why aren’t you moving fast?” was my thought.

• Sometimes my problem isn’t the problem.
• Sometimes the emergency isn’t the problem.
• Sometimes the situation or circumstance isn’t the problem.

Leading a very busy life leaves no room for GOD in my life. HE gets pushed to the back burner every day while I handle the “high priority” items on my plate. Then I find myself moving faster and faster with little patience for those who can’t keep up. In this instance, GOD chooses to help me with my impatience.

• GOD says to me “Wait on MY deliverance.”
• GOD says to me “I have you in MY hand no one can pluck you out.”
• GOD says to me “Have patience, be slow to anger, and watch ME work.”

What about my emergency? You mean I have to wait again!? Yes. Wait. GOD know just how long to keep me in the fire in order to burn off my doubts, worries and fears. HE says “I made you and I know how much you can handle.” HE watches me squirm and watches others around me squirm. HE then says, “Wait.”

Waiting makes me slow down, sit down and bow down. It makes me have patience for those around me and for those who are in similar positions. Waiting removes gloating arrogance and anger. Waiting builds trust and faith. GOD yields to no humans’ dates or times, but HE is always right on time!

• Are you losing your patience with GOD?
• Do you feel like you are out of time?
• Can you understand that waiting on GOD is good because HIS plan is better?
• Will you slow down enough to listen to GOD?

Obedience takes patience

Numbers 9: ²¹ Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening until morning. When it lifted in the morning, they started out. It didn’t matter whether it was day or night. When the cloud lifted, the people started out. ²² It didn’t matter whether the cloud stayed above the holy tent for two days or a month or a year. The people of Israel would remain in camp. They wouldn’t start out. But when the cloud lifted, they would start out.

²³ When the Lord gave the command, they camped. And when he gave the command, they started out. They obeyed the Lord’s order. They obeyed him, just as he had commanded them through Moses.

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Sitting in my dorm room in the middle of my first semester, I wanted to be done! I had enough of school but I was only just beginning. After finally graduating I sat in my cubicle frustrated that I wasn’t getting a promotion. After finally getting a promotion years later I moved on to another position.

Weary from years of travel from this position I moved on to another position at a large company. It seemed like GOD is taking forever to get me to where I need to be. What’s taking HIM so long?

• My impatience causes me to be frustrated.
• When I hear I have to wait years instead of minutes I lose my patience.
• My impatience causes me to want to stop, sit and give up.

GOD’s timing definitely isn’t my timing.  I want things the way I want them, when I want them and how I want them.  I place a huge expectation on GOD and when HE doesn’t come through with my timing, I complain to HIM as if HE made a wrong decision.

• GOD wants me to cheerfully obey HIM on a daily basis.
• GOD wants me to release my expectations of the day and open my eyes to HIS grace.
• GOD wants me to increase my patience by accepting HIS daily gifts rather than pouting over not getting my desires.

When I lose my patience it is hard for me to be obedient. In fact I probably get quite the opposite and become rebellious. GOD has HIS timing and has plenty of love for me. HIS plans are great!

• Are you in a situation where you are losing your patience?
• Do you think GOD has forgotten you or is punishing you?
• Won’t you stop for a moment and remember the grace HE has given you?
• Can you ask HIM to remove any pouting you may have and replace it with grace for someone?