“For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised.” (Hebrews 10:36, CSB)
We’ve all had to wait for something. Some of those times are the big things of life like getting our driving licence, going on a long-planned vacation, or reaching retirement. We understand that those times of patient waiting are necessary. But the real test of patience is in everyday things.
I wonder if we all haven’t thought, “Why can’t God hurry up on this?” Why can’t God hurry up the things I’ve prayed for? Why do some answers take so long? Why is it taking so long for God to…? Why do others get ahead while I don’t? “Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for him; do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way, by the person who carries out evil plans. Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated—it can only bring harm. For evildoers will be destroyed, but those who put their hope in the Lord will inherit the land.” (Psalm 37:7–9, CSB)
In those times, we wrestle with God’s sovereignty in our lives. God’s timing is His and His alone. And as we read the Bible we encounter many verses that tell us the outcome of patience and trusting God. Perhaps one of the most poignant is found in Isaiah. “Youths may become faint and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:30–31, CSB)
In our lives, there are two circles. The first circle is everything we can directly change or accomplish. The second, much larger circle, is all the things we cannot directly change or cause to happen. We should be diligent concerning everything in the first circle and trust Jesus with everything in the second circle. For instance, we must ruthlessly deal with our sin while patiently waiting and trusting God to root out sin in another. Yes, we may be instruments of the Holy Spirit to bring change in others. But we must always take the log out of our own eye first.
Waiting on the Lord is not fruitless. “Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12, CSB) We want our lives to be softer; God wants to give us a crown of life.
Other verses for this promise (Compiled by David Wilkerson)
- Hebrews 10:36
- Luke 21:19
- Galatians 6:9
- Ecclesiastes 3:9
- Psalm 37:7,9
- James 1:3
- James 1:4
- Romans 15:5
- Revelation 2:10
- Ecclesiastes 7:8
- James 1:12
- Matthew 10:22
- James 5:11
- Psalm 40:1
- Hebrews 10:35-37
- Isaiah 25:9
- Hebrews 11:6
- Romans 5:3-4
- Psalm 27:14
- 2 Samuel 23:5
- James 5:16
- Isaiah 40:31
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