Waiting is investing in God

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.– 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Impatience is one of the hallmarks of life today. The advancements of communication – such as email, instant messaging and texting – seem to make our lives busier, and enable us to carry additional loads. Subsequently, we are more stressed and in a hurry to get somewhere, accomplish more or pack more into our busy schedules.

For some of us, our impatience costs us dearly. We want to do the right thing but end up doing the wrong thing because we are in a hurry, never considering whether or not we are doing what God’s will. We marry the wonderful guy who couldn’t care less about Christian faith because we’re afraid we may end up single; or we sign on to a business deal that looks lucrative but demands short-cutting integrity.

Awaiting God’s timing lets God settle issues His way instead of ours. For seven long years David awaited the fulfillment of God’s promise that he would be king, and speaking of that experience he said, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes” (Psalm 37:7). Do you know what “fretting” is? It means you sweat and stew when your enemies or adversaries seem to get the break and you are left waiting in uncertainty.

Waiting is not wasted time; it is a simple act of contrite submission to the truth that God has a plan for your life. It is acknowledging that your cleverness, your ability to make things happen, and your charms are not enough to get you where you think you ought to go. Then God steps in, and when He does, there is no question as to who is responsible. Then your heart will cry, “To God be the glory, great things He has done.”

Used with permission from Guidelines Philippines, Inc. To learn more about Guidelines and the ministry, please write to Box 4000, 1280 Makati City, Philippines or e-mail address [email protected]. You may also visit our website at www.guidelines.org.