Impatient World

A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. (Psalm 34:19)

Patiently waiting for God to work in a situation is extremely difficult for some. Is this a sign of a lack of faith? Or is this just a bi-product of living in an unusually fast paced world where immediacy is key to our existence? We have become so used to instant gratification that we may feel that God is very slow moving indeed.

But God is not slow (only as we count slowness) nor is He fast. He is working in the lives of everyone all over the world at the same time. His plan is for all to come to Him for salvation. If He were to work out our situation quickly, what would that do to the problems, prayers and concerns of the person next to us?

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

Impatience can show a lack of faith and trust in God, but these are attributes that He has told us we can ask of Him. He will give them without judgement. He understands the world we live in. He understands the pain we feel during difficult times and that we wish they could be over sooner. Christ suffered all that we suffer and more and left His Holy Spirit to comfort us during these times.

Let us look at our pasts and see what God has done in times when we were impatient for Him to work. We need to remember the times we called out to God, “why are you so slow?” and look at what He did in that situation. Each time God works out our situation while we are impatient, it can build our trust and faith in Him for the next time.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

God doesn’t promise that He will strengthen us right this minute or that He will help us in the way we want Him to help us. He promises to strengthen us when we need strength and to help us in the way that is best for us.

God’s truth is truth whether we like it or not. God’s way is perfect whether it is, in our minds, slow in coming. We can have hope, that assurance, that God is working for our good.  Patience is easier said than done but we can fight the lack of faith with prayer. Though we may still expect immediate results from the world, but from Christ’s teaching we should know that not all good things come to us quickly.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

When we are in the middle of waiting for an answer from God or for Him to act on our behalf, we can focus our minds and actions on doing good for those around us. In that way, not only will we be an instrument used of God in someone else’s life, but we will also get our thoughts and concerns off our own problems.

We can trust that God is using us to do His work in another person’s difficult situations and that He is working out our situation through others too. God is constantly moving and acting on our behalf even if we don’t see the consequences of it immediately.

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)

In God’s kingdom, where His will is always done, there is only God’s time which is very different from our time. When we don’t force our will in situations, and allow God’s will to be done, everything will be done in the right way and at the right time.

We can rest and not be anxious, telling God what we would like and asking for His mercy and grace, but accepting that His ways and His will are better than ours. Lack of faith, anxiety, fear, and worry do nothing for our emotional or physical well-being, or for our situation.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)

Let us all ask for more faith, tell God what we think we need and what we would like to see happen, and end our prayers with, “thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. Let us work for God in the lives of those around us, showing His great love. Let us breathe and smile, laugh and pray, even if our hearts are breaking, knowing that God only gives good gifts to His children. He will provide what we need when we need it.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Prayer: Lord, it is difficult for us to pray “Thy will be done”. We believe we know what is best for us. We can’t understand why things can’t be easier or faster. But deep in our hearts Lord, where You live, we know the truth. We know that You are working for us, for our good, for our best. Give us more faith and trust. Give us peace and understanding. Help us work for others while You are working for us. Let us show Your great love and grace to all. Amen

My book Fresh Fruit Meditations on the Fruit of the Holy Spirit can be ordered from Amazon or Goodreads.com.  Also available at Chritian Bookstores or on Kindle.  Thank you. Jennifer Chamberlain