waiting, waiting waiting

Romans 5:3-4 (ESV)

3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.

One of the best examples of patience in the Bible is Abraham. When Abraham was around 75 years old, God promised him that he would have a child. But Abraham didn’t see that promise fulfilled until he was 100 years old.

The Bible says that Abraham, “having patiently waited, obtained the promise”. Abraham stayed steadfast in his faith. The Apostle Paul describes Abraham’s faith in the following way:

Just like Abraham, in the midst of our trials, desires, and wants, we need to remember to look to God, who always fulfills His promises. We need to be like Abraham recognizing that God has the power to do what He says He will do. 

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I don’t know about you, but sometimes it’s really difficult to be patient. After graduating from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago I stayed and worked full time there. On the weekedns that I would drive home I dreaded driving—rush hour. There was nothing rushed about it! Traffic was at a dead standstill. A drive that would normally take 20 minutes ended up taking closer to an hour or more.   

But through driving in standstill traffic I learned the importance of using my time wisely instead of complaining.

I used the opportunity to spend time with God. It was during those times that I had some of the best times praying in my life.

I began actually listening to and thinking through the music I heard on the radio. The trip gave me a good opportunity to think about how the music affected my thoughts and attitudes and whether it was building me up in my faith.

I found the opportunity to let my mind reflect on my week. What was good and bad about my week? How did I treat my friends? Was I living the way Jesus wanted me to?

In many ways, I’m thankful for the long trips. It helped to instill principles in me that I have learned to incorporate into my life still today. Patience can do that for, too.

Look for ways to fill your life up with a positive outlook regarding your circumstances.

Dear Lord, help us to look at the circumstance around us in a positive way. He us to use them to bring us closer to You and to become more like You so others will see You in us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.