I Sat and Waited
by Brandon Edwards
I do that a lot, waiting. Waiting for students. Picking up food. Sitting in the car waiting for my kids.
But waiting has not always been something I have enjoyed. In fact, waiting has never been my favorite thing - and in a culture that wants everything now, waiting is the thing that has been a really hard lesson to learn. Mainly because the world teaches me that faster is always better....and so I struggle at times.
I struggle to be patient.
And the circle begins again - waiting, which leads to the struggle of patience....But patience, in many senses, implies waiting again. And with this cycle being one we all fall into, I figured I would share a few thoughts that have helped me in this circular process of life.
The fastest way to kill impatience is to count "but God" moments instead of simply counting down. (Romans 5:3-5) Count how many times in your own life God has gone far and above all you could have asked or imagined. Then be grateful - you'll be shocked how powerful this realization will be.
Impatience is just forgetfulness in disguise; patience remembers that He who holds time in His hand is the one holding your time. (Isaiah 40:31)
Patience grows best in the soil of small, unseen moments. Do the small things well and let God work the grand ones. He always does.
You don't need more time; you need a better view of eternity. God's plan for humanity is far grander than anything we can imagine - trust His plan.
Patience is often the best "fruit" when you refuse to pick the "fruit" when it is too green. Don't rush the process. Trust God for His timing.
The quickest patience killer is comparison; the antidote is contentment. Much of our impatience is actually envy - for when we find peace and contentment in life, patience becomes a beautiful presence.
Delays are not denials; they are the "not yet," not always the "no." And, even when it is a "no," it is always for your good.
But the greatest thing that has helped me learn to be patient and to wait has been this: learning to celebrate the unseen moments and process God's timing. Learning to look back on the moments of "waiting" and thank God for His rule of my life....for His ways were always better. Always.
God loves you. Learn to lean into His will - be patient, grow in patience.
God is truly good.
