Ask my kids and they will tell you that patience is NOT my strong suit. I like everything on time and when the day is not going according to my schedule, you will see a not-so-sweet Nancy. Author Bob Goff keeps a bucket in the passenger seat of his car to remind him to fill it with patience. I have a patience thimble in my car and it fills up FAST! Waiting for most things can be such a nuisance and a waste of my time. This week God has been challenging me to think of patience another way.
I have issues, big issues, that I would love fixed. You? I am sure you do as well. Projects at work, construction projects at home, relationships, the list goes on and on. It would be nice to know exactly how they are going to wrap up in a neat bow and when we can expect to be back to “normal”. Here is what I am learning – God is teaching me how to tie the bow in this waiting process. We can rush through our time with Him and end up wearing velcro shoes our entire adult life or we can stop, let Him show us why we go through all the steps. Ultimately it is so our life (shoe) doesn’t go flying off when we need it most. It is up to me to follow His small steps of faith that are slowly giving me the tools and skills (and healing) needed to finish each small race in my life strong.
Ultimately I am finding that patience and confidence are a wonderful combo! If you are confident and believe God will give you all you need then it makes it a little easier to wait – and even learn more about yourself, others and Him in the process.
Resources/Inspiration:
Verses:
Habakkuk 2:3 (TLB) “But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!
Romans 15:5a (NLT) “May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other.”
Video
The Gathering Testimony: Joanna Gaines – I am so inspired by her patience, obedience and ability to hear God!
