Free Grace Women

If there is anything that humans don’t enjoy doing, it is waiting. People dislike waiting in amusement park ride lines. Instead, they may opt to pay a steep cost to “skip” the lines. We have machines that expedite the cooking process of our food and the brewing process of our drinks. Some of us don’t hesitate before paying the extra cost for express shipping, simply so we can have what we want faster. 

As a child, I often heard the expression “just wait.” It appears in all kinds of situations and under many different circumstances. It came from my mother, who used to tell me to slow down or wait my turn routinely. I feel it when waiting for a text or email correspondence, when other people make me wait, or when driving somewhere takes longer than anticipated. Sometimes, it is simply difficult to wait. It requires us to slow down and trust God’s plan, even when we don’t understand it.

This consistent pain and strain of impatience is very human. 

Humans have known and battled this feeling for all time. A key example is the story of Sarah and Abraham in Genesis 21, which led to the eventual birth of their promised son Isaac. You see, Abraham and Sarah waited for a very long time before they received the child that the Lord promised them. 

In their season of not knowing, Sarah gave in to the temptation of impatience. She opted to take matters into her own hands, giving her servant to Abraham. Her heart of impatience and Abraham’s willingness to take part in her plan lead to the birth of Ishmael. God still lovingly protected and cared for Hagar and Ishmael, but Ishmael was not the child He had promised to Sarah and Abraham. 

When the pangs of impatience hit, you may feel tempted to rush the process. Instead of giving in to these temptations, choose to trust God’s good timing. 

Like many others, my life currently feels like a prolonged season of waiting. Every day that passes seems to bring new challenges and tests, all pointing to the same truth: not yet; wait. 

This can sometimes feel discouraging, especially when the rush of life and the flow of my mind tell me that I should try to hurry God’s plans for me. But, it’s so much better to do it God’s way and wait on His good and perfect timing.

Unlike our neverending battle with sin and impatience, our God exhibits perfect patience. God is patient despite our many sins, knowing our weaknesses and patiently keeping pace even when we stumble. He cares for us and arranges situations well beyond our knowledge and capabilities.

When you encounter situations that tempt you to rush in or move because of impatience, choose to trust God’s timing. Be quick to ask for discernment and rely on His wisdom and understanding. 

Proverbs 3:5-8 ESV – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.”

Relying solely on our wisdom can lead to burnout and decision fatigue. More often than not, it results in making the wrong choices and suffering the consequences. This spiral usually leaves us feeling discouraged and unsure. 

However, there is immense beauty and encouragement in relying on the Lord and His wisdom. In verse 8, it says that turning from evil and fearing the LORD will result in healing to our flesh and refreshment to our bones. This is so encouraging!

When I am tempted to move ahead with my plans without consulting the Lord and begin to feel that unrest in my soul, I must remember how relying on the Lord rejuvenates my spirit. His ways are higher and His wisdom is true. Choose to wait. 

Psalm 27:14 ESV – Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!