The Wisdom of Waiting

The Wisdom of Waiting

So, how well do you deal with waiting? Yesterday, my flight to Newark was delayed for about 15 minutes because of two elderly persons, obviously not well, who needed a lot of help boarding the plane.  I was generally surprised at the level of anger among the crowd of waiting travelers. It rose steadily each passing moment. When we finally boarded, the captain urged people to quickly stow their carry-on luggage so that we could get underway.  Impatient irritation showed through in his tone. But I cannot throw any stones at those impatient people, for I too often have also been impatient. When I sense that impatience in myself, I work at defusing any anger.  Anger only adds to the unpleasantness of waiting. I only wish I had learned that lesson much earlier in life.

The Scripture counsels patience, not just with the irritants, but with the Lord and life. "Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near." (James 5:7-8, NIV) This passage speaks to us in the imperative; it is not a suggestion. It is God’s command! Those Scriptures tell us that only time will bring about the results we desire. 

·         Those teens that drive us to distraction will eventually mature, but it will take time. 

·         A marriage characterized by powerful love and deep intimacy only emerges with years of patience.

·         Proficiency in some skill we are learning demands time and practice. Nobody becomes a concert pianist overnight! 

I was amused by a recent promotion on a Christian radio station.  A book titled something like “30 Days to Becoming the Christian You Want to Be” promised to make the reader a fully equipped Christian in one month if they would read for ‘just 15 minutes each day.’  Impossible! The likeness of Jesus Christ is produced in us over years – through study of the Bible, worship, prayer, and walking with the Spirit through life.  

The most difficult waiting is for justice. When we are wronged, when others misuse or abuse us, when we do right and things go wrong; we want to set it right now, don’t we?  Sometimes the pain seems too much to bear, the frustration makes us miserable.  God counsels patience. "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. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil." (Psalm 37:7-8, NIV)  Don’t confuse ‘being still’ with being passive!  Jesus taught us to "always pray and not give up." (Luke 18:1, NIV)  Our choice in times of waiting is not surrender to circumstances.  Instead, we submit to God!  We carry our plea to Him. We receive the gracious gift of faith from Him, and we learn to wait on Him.  The supernatural result is something that defies logic.  The word from the Word I leave with you today describes it.  May this be ours in abundance as we learn the wisdom of waiting.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV)  Supernatural peace! It is possible even in life’s seasons of waiting.  Praise Him.

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It Is Well With My Soul

When peace like a river

Attendeth my way

When sorrows

Like sea billows roll

Whatever my lot

Thou hast taught me to say

It is well

It is well with my soul

Tho' Satan should buffet

Tho' trials should come

Let this blest assurance control

That Christ has regarded

My helpless estate

And hath shed His own blood

For my soul

It is well with my soul

It is well

It is well with my soul

Horatio G. Spafford | Philip Paul Bliss

Public Domain