In my spiritual life I often find that I’m waiting on God for things that he has already promised. I’m waiting for God to do things that he is waiting for me to do. And I’m waiting to trust more deeply in an answer to prayer that God has already given.
When circumstances push my patience to the limit and stressed out days string together relentlessly, the problem isn’t God but me!
I’m hoping in what God should do, instead of trusting in what he is already doing. More than that, he fills the Scriptures with his saving, loving, heavenly works that he has already done.
My heavenly Father designed and created me to be the only me, and is transforming me to become his best version of me that I can only see by trusting in him.
Jesus said, “It is finished,” and then died and rose as historical events that cannot be undone by anything in this world. They always count. Always.
The Holy Spirit has already filled me with Jesus, and even lives within me so that I’m never without God. Never.
Oh, how I need a Savior who is willing to wait for me, as I think I’m waiting for him. My God is such a Savior, and more. He doesn’t wait while looking at his watch and irritatingly tapping his foot. He uses the waiting. He works in the waiting.
“We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:3-5).
Do you see it? What has already happened? Trust in that. And what is yet to come? Hope in that.
PRAYER: I need a Savior who mercifully waits for me, God. So today I appreciate your patience, and even more hope in your saving work as you wait for me. Teach me to be patient with others, too. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Slow down, and use the PRAY acronym.
- Praise (tell God what you appreciate about his patience)
- Repent (tell God about your sins, trust in his promises of forgiveness and hope)
- Ask (go ahead, think big, or focus on a small detail, God wants to hear it all)
- Yield (talk to God about the next step after you say “Amen,” how you want faith to lead the way, how you are willing to be part of his answer and see it develop for your good)