“Quietly endure, silently suffer, and patiently wait.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

“The strongest of all warriors are these two – time and patience.” – Leo Tolstoy

One of the most important things I have learned as a writer is creating a title that grabs the reader upfront – one that coaxes them to read on.  A well-crafted title is like the aroma of a fresh baked apple pie – it leaves the senses longing to get a taste of the real thing – the content and context of the article itself in this case.

Well, I can tell you without hesitation that a title like “Choosing to Wait Patiently” ranks right up there with ones like “The Joys of Poking a Sharp Stick in Your Eye” or “Living Forever without Chocolate”.  Well, over half of the readers (maybe more) have read the title and quickly moved on to something more appealing – something slightly more palatable.   They haven’t even made it to this paragraph unfortunately!  

Just like a sharp stick in the eye or the thought of living without chocolate (dark chocolate for me!), no one likes the idea of waiting – especially with any kind of patience.  Waiting in today’s world seems like an antiquated thing to do – outdated and old fashioned.  With technology at our fingertips, we can shop on a whim, watch whatever our heart desires, and communicate (especially on our own terms in our own timeframes) with anyone at any time. The idea and concepts of “real time” have changed our culture into one that is more demanding, increasingly impatient, and less tolerable of getting something different from what they want, when they want it.

Sadly, this “on demand” culture has permeated more than just our systematic way of life.  It has spilled over into things that are deeper – more spiritual in nature.  How we communicate and interact within relationships, the endurance and sensitivity we demonstrate surrounding things that require time and patience to unfold, and our ability to wait on and benefit from Divine timing have all been negatively affected.

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.  He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.  He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see what He has done and be astounded.  They will put their trust in the Lord.” – Psalm 40: 1-3 NLT

“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope.” – Psalm 130:5 NIV

“For the Lord is a God of justice.  Blessed are all who wait for Him!” – Isaiah 30:18 NIV

“But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength.” – Isaiah 40:31 NLT

The choice to wait patiently almost requires us to make the prerequisite choice of humility (an article I will share early next week).  Humility sets aside impatience and immediate gratification and relinquishes our self-determined needs and desired outcomes to God – allowing His timing to unfold.  Humility not only allows for Divine timing, but for the greater and far more purposeful plans of God to emerge.  When we fail to wait patiently, we circumvent an Omniscient God who can see how each decision plays out and how it affects those around us as well.

When we choose to wait patiently on God, we open up a door – revealing to others who God really is and how He works.  When we act on our own behalf, others see our struggles, our impatience, and outcomes that serve our own selfish needs.  When we allow God to act on our behalf, we open up a door that helps others learn to trust in Him more.  I love how the verse above says, “Many will see what He has done and be astounded.  They will put their trust in the Lord.”  

Waiting patiently also opens supernatural avenues of strength to us within our circumstances.  We acquire the stamina, the will, and the needed resolve to remain vigilant.  A loving God understands how hard it is to wait patiently – so He promises to give us the strength we need as we wait on Him to act.

“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.” – Isaiah 64:4 NIV

What is happening in your own life right now that has come as a result of impatience or impulsiveness?  What is transpiring because you just can’t wait any longer for things to unfold on their own?

Choose to wait patiently for God to act – moving in the heart of your spouse or loved one – changing their demeanor, their attitudes, and their actions toward you.  Stop the urge to speak or to act rashly on your own.  Humbly allow God to act on your behalf and watch what beautifully begins to materialize.

Patiently wait on him to apply His own justice in situations that seem unfair, unmerited, or undeserved.  Don’t take vengeance or seek to settle scores in your own time.

If you feel confused or uncertain about the future, patiently wait for His guidance, His direction and His plan for your life to surface.  Avoid the compulsion to make things happen for yourself and in your own time.  Take advantage of a loving God who sees the future with precision – who knows what obstacles lie ahead and “perfect time” for things to evolve.

As you wait, wait with a positive expectancy – knowing that all things are working together for your good and the good of others involved.  Trust that the strength you need to wait is on its way to you right now – just as He promised.

God bless you today and always!