Patience, Waiting & Growing

https://youtu.be/h_2snwnPFno

Stand Still by Wilmington Chester Mass Choir

One of my biggest challenges for my flesh – patience.

My parents must have recognized early that I had issues. I remember wanting what I wanted right away. I think God used them when I was young and immature to begin to teach me lessons.

I wanted a Wilmington High School cheerleader letter jacket. They made me wait for months, which seemed like an eternity. I think I asked daily. Finally, Christmas Day of 1982 it was one of the last boxes they brought out.

Then I wanted a car when I graduated from high school. I waited 2 to 3 years prior to receiving. I made my case in numerous ways. I eventually received what I wanted but, just because I asked I didn’t receive right away. I had to prove myself. I had to wait.

I learned valuable lessons while waiting. I matured. I became more responsible and more sure footed. Waiting caused me to be appreciative of what I gained.

I had issues with patience and waiting back then – and yes, I still struggle on deeper levels now.

I have a thought, wish or dream and want it to happen instantaneously. I want to resolve the problem, to gain the item, finish tasks or settle things so I can move onto the next situation. I attempt to plan and plot thinking I can regulate people, places and things.

I can’t.

I admit – there are things I’ve prayed for many years that have not been resolved or have yet to come to pass. I believe they are in God’s Will. I’m learning through this process that I can’t control scenarios or people. I surely don’t have all the answers or resolutions.

God does.

God is in control. I am not. It’s easier to surrender control to that fact and have peace. With man things are impossible. With God (not Daphne) ALL things are possible. I can’t add to or take anything away to assist results.

I have to have patience. I have to wait.

Through that waiting, endurance is built. God wants us to rely on Him. God wants us to grow through these things. It assists our maturing. We grow in the process into the person who appreciates what we receive even more. Through patience we gain experience. Romans 5:4 – emphasizes this fact referring to tribulation but, any degree of patience causes growth of experience.

In Daphne explanation, Romans 5 goes on to say from experience hope is birthed. That hope created causes confident assurance. It helps us not walk in shame. We walk in confidence that God gives due to our relationship with Him.

I think of scenarios in the Bible that demonstrate God’s purpose in his children learning to wait and trust. Situations like the Hebrews’ 40 year route due to unbelief, Joseph and his long journey to reign due partially to his pride, and Abraham and Sarah’s faux pas due to their attempt to control events. Those testimonies give believers hope. They show consequences of patience and the lack of it. We learn through them and through our own experiences.

God like my parents is teaching us valuable lessons by making us wait. He is instructing us to allow Him to take care of situations through our patience. The added benefit to gaining or not gaining what we would like – we grow and mature.