Life Through the Lens: Time and patience
In his weekly Christian column, Kevin Schrapel thinks about being told to wait, and what it produces in us.
This post is the author’s personal opinion.
My mum often told me, “Kevin, just be patient”.
It’s something I still struggle with.
But what is patience?
One dictionary says, “an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay: to have patience with a slow learner” – now that is getting a bit personal.
Everything seems faster: cars are faster, planes are faster, taking your time equates with slacking off and not doing your share.
It takes time to hand-write a letter.
Emails are faster; and texting is even faster, and less personal.
Then, into all this world of rushing, hurrying and impatience come words from God: “wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14).
Okay, but how do I wait?
Maybe try some of these ideas.
God does not let one moment go to waste in our lives.
While waiting to learn what God’s plan may be, rest assured that he will use that time to grow your faith.
Accept that he is in charge of everything, even when it may look as if he is not.
Be prepared to accept that God has a plan for everyone and everything and every situation.
While you are waiting, he might be lining up other parts of his plan for you; he might also be using that time for you to learn something to help you accept and understand his goal when he shows it to you.
Talk to God about his plan and your willingness – or otherwise – to fit in.
Talk to him about how he might use that time to bring you closer to him in trust and obedience.
Waiting may not be easy, as impatience and frustration can take over.
Read his words in the Bible.
Find stories of people who have waited and accepted what he had planned.
Be encouraged by these and more contemporary accounts of followers who waited and had the joy and adventure of being and seeing their part in his grand plans.
Don’t fight the idea that God has a plan, even if it may not be apparent right now.
Consider that God will have a purpose for the waiting.
Is God working on your heart?
While waiting, focus on the blessings God promises for those who accept his love in their life.
Think about who he might be planning to help in some way by using you.
A final word from God relating to himself and time: “do not forget this one thing, dear friends: with the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day” (2 Peter 3:8).
God bless you.
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