I don’t know about you but I am definitely one of the most impatient people ever. I’m the one who leaves for a class 30 minutes early because I can’t stand the thought of being late. When I say “let’s leave at 2:00pm”… I’ll be in the car ready by 1:45pm… just ask my roommates lol. Oh, and don’t even get me started on Atlanta traffic… good thing Michael is one of the most patient people and drivers I know… safe to say he does most of that driving hehe.
My point in exposing my bit of impatience with these things is because it applies to more than traffic or punctuality on small silly things.

I get impatient with those things because I’m WAITING / WANTING to get to a destination.
Ooo read that again.
I get impatient with those things because I’m WAITING / WANTING to get to a destination.

When I’m sitting in traffic and have an event to get to… I’m thinking about getting to that event… not the 1000 cars I gotta get by to get there.

Waiting is a natural part of life. No matter if it’s in traffic, a long line, a test grade to come back, a flight…etc.

Waiting is also a part of FAITH. God continually calls his people to wait for the Spirit to be revealed. In fact, the history of Israel is a history of constant waiting. From Egypt to Exile, the people waited for their redemption, looking forward to the Messiah. And in the new testament came their messiah… Jesus. Now we wait for Christ’s return, and for the full establishment of God’s kingdom upon the earth. What hope we have!

But… like waiting in Atlanta traffic or fill in the blank… waiting for God to reveal purpose in a hard season, or for all of the promises of God He tells us in His word, can be frustrating at times. I don’t know about you but I’ve definitely found myself in seasons (still am) of asking God “Why do I have to wait for the good to come of this?”
Or
You feel like you are doing everything right but still find your feet in a season of waiting and disappointment. Maybe even feeling like He’s forgotten about you. Your dreams. Your desires. The work you have put in.
YOU AREN’T ALONE.
Something the Lord has been teaching me in my recent season, is PRESENCE. Waiting can teach us a number of things but the tug of my heart is “Being present.” Embracing HIS presence. Allowing HIS presence to keep me or lead me to where He wants me.
There’s freedom in that. There’s freedom to surrendering to HIS presence.

The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years, crying out for deliverance. God responded by sending Moses to lead them to freedom. (Exodus 1-12)

Jeremiah often faced rejection and persecution for delivering God’s messages. Yet, he remained patient and steadfast. And God provided (Jeremiah)

David had to wait many years and face numerous trials, including persecution by King Saul, before finally becoming the King of Israel. (1&2 Samuel)

God is working in the waiting.
But did these people just sit still in the waiting? No. they didn’t give up on their faith. They kept pursuing the Lord. And He came through. Every. Single. Time.

One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 40:31…
“But those who WAIT on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up on wings like eagles, they shall run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.”

Next time you grow impatient in your waiting, or grow frustrated in your season…

Remember these things:

He sees you. Keep seeking Him.
What God has for you, you can’t speed up, can’t slow down, can’t delay and can’t stop.
But we can control the posture of our hearts. To trust Him. To stay present where He has our feet.

Even when we feel our feet should be somewhere else. We can’t see the big picture he can. He has plans to protect you, teach you, love you, mold you and shape you. He wouldn’t keep you in a season if there was nothing else beneficial from it…
“For we know ALL things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.”
Not all things are good, but God can bring good out of anything.

God can see what you can’t. Trust Him. He’s not letting go of you… so you don’t let go either!

Love,
AW