Waiting with Patience
Waiting involves remaining in place or postponing action until a particular event occurs. I recall a story about two individuals waiting for a bus one morning. Upon arrival, one person checked his schedule, sat down, and began reading. The other frequently checked his watch, became increasingly frustrated, and paced back and forth, expressing dissatisfaction with the bus and worrying about being late for work. After ten minutes, he was visibly upset and perspiring. In contrast, the first individual remained calm, noticed the bus approaching, and, upon its arrival, boarded and greeted the driver with a smile, saying, “I see that you’re right on time!”
We all encounter periods of waiting in our lives; the main point of the analogy concerns how we approach them. Will we choose patience or impatience? Our decisions significantly influence both our mental and physical well-being. Having patience is the capacity to accept or tolerate delays. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” Hebrews 10:36.
Society often makes waiting difficult; most people want everything exactly when and how they want it. That sounds like the Burger King slogan, “Have it your way!” But when it comes to life, that is a fallacy. Life is not based on our demands but built on the divine providence of God. He is faithful and will always come through right on time! “
F.B. Meyers wrote, “Don’t miss the harvest of your tears.” The meaning is this: do not throw away your trust when your reward is so near; all the things that you have endured have only come to strengthen you. “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”James 1:3-4.
Like the saints of old, we still look with anticipation for the Lord’s return. And my friends, we do not need to complain and worry like those who have no hope, but remain steadfast in faith on the promised reward. “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12.
So, let’s pray for patience to keep running this Christian race in strength, perseverance, and love! “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31.