The Bible tells us that God does not operate on our timetable; and, there is nothing we can do to expedite God's timing. We are at times too quick to react to situations; taking things into our own hands; which normally makes things worse. Our anxiousness does not help the situation; neither does our disappointment.
The timing of the Lord is perfect (Gal 5:22), as are his teachings (Ps 19:7) and his ways (Ps 18:30). The only satisfying path is to learn to be patient and to trust God. As Saint Augustine said, patience is the companion to wisdom — practicing, developing, and nurturing patience is fundamental to Christian life.
Here are some patience building tips that I use: Just stop, settle in, gain clarity and gain resolve:
1. Just stop. Don't make the situation worse by doing more. Catch the mind ranting, take the imagination from racing, take those anxious thoughts captive and just stop (2 Cor 10:5). Don't think it, don't say it, don't do it.
2. Settle in. Settle into the moment, accept the situation for what it is and trust that it is not as bad as you are envisioning (1 Thess 5:16-19). God is on still the throne even if your life is in a mess. You are experiencing God's will; even if it is uncomfortable for the moment. You may even try to rejoice in it (though that may take some practice).
3. Gain clarity. Ask yourself, "what is happening, what am I missing, what should I do" Search your heart to try to see why you are being impatient (Ps 139:24).
4. Gain resolve. There is great peace that comes from confidence placed firmly in the Lord (Heb 10:35). I all of my experiences, I can look back and see clearly where God was working and I have found that I can always say "yup, God worked it out."
Be blessed, Pastor John
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