Trusting God's Timing: A Lesson in Patience
We are used to instant fulfillment in our daily activities. We want fast-working computer downloads, fast food, television shows at our convenience, and even our clothes washed and dried without ironing. Everything is quicker now. But James 1:3-4 (MEV) tells us, “Knowing that the trying of your faith develops patience. But let patience perfect its work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Wow! The Bible says we will lack nothing if we have patience and trust that God will keep His promises. In due season, what we are believing will happen.
Can we trust God if the waiting period is measured in years? When we have to wait for God’s promise, we must diligently keep His promise in our minds and words, so we do not grow weary. The devil will use discouragement and impatience to rob us of our blessing, so stand firm
and don’t let anyone talk you out of what God is doing. One of the biggest problems is what people say: “It (your blessing) will happen if it’s God’s will.” If the promise is in the Bible, then that promise is His will. The timing of the fulfillment of that promise is unknown. God has a perfect time to bring His promised plan to fruition, so be patient and trust that He is working on the situation and that “due season” will arrive.
Patience is a fruit of the spirit intended to help our faith grow. The Bible provides significant guidance on waiting patiently for God's promises and how to maintain faith during long periods of waiting. Here are some key scriptures and principles:
Scriptures on Waiting Patiently
Psalm 27:14 (NIV): "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
This verse encourages us to be strong and take heart while waiting for God's timing.
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV): "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Waiting on the Lord brings renewal and strength, helping us to persevere.
Lamentations 3:25-26 (NIV): "The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the patience You cultivate within us during our times of waiting. Help us to trust Your timing, even when we don’t understand it. May we always remember that Your plans for us are good, and that in due season, Your promises will come to pass. Strengthen our hearts to remain steadfast, and fill us with the peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I Am Statements:
I am patient and trust in God’s perfect timing.
I am strong in my faith, knowing that God’s promises are true.
I am confident that God is working all things together for my good.
Inspirational Quote:
"Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. It is the belief that God will do what is right." — Max Lucado