Waiting Well

As God has led us in discipling our children, there is often a crossroads between what He is growing in us as parents and what we are hoping to see grow in our children. We recently started using a “word of the week” for our family to help us talk about what we are all learning and how we can grow together. This week we chose the word “patience,” which we defined as a family to mean “waiting with a good attitude.” 

Patience is a Fruit of the Spirit that God has been growing in me slowly over the years. The truth is that I am not inherently patient. I do not wait well for things, especially when there is a high level of uncertainty or anticipation involved. While I may believe I am not “wired” to be patient in my temperament, the truth of the Scriptures is that God is patient in His character and through Christ I can grow in patience by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

As I have grown in knowledge and understanding of this as part of my spiritual journey, the Holy Spirit has shown me the various areas that I have lacked the very holy quality of patience in an age and culture that is defined by instant gratification and anxiety. That is God’s truth for you too, brothers and sisters! This is a part of our identity in Christ. 

So, what do the Scriptures teach us about patience? I would say that waiting with a “good attitude” is a great start, but through the Holy Spirit we can grow into waiting with a GODLY attitude that reflects Christ. A few ideas that can help us consider what that might look like:

●      A choice to trust in God’s timing and wisdom. In our hearts we will make plans but the Lord will establish our steps (Proverbs 16:9). We know the truth - God works all things together for the good of those who love him (Rom 8:28). That means an active trust knowing the truth of God’s provision and perfect timing. 

●      Strength and calm under the pressure of waiting - God is with you, you are not alone. Prayer and meditating on Scripture help us abide in seasons of waiting as we wait on the Lord - He is actively renewing our strength and giving courage during the waiting (Psalm 27:14, Psalms 37:7, Isaiah 40:31). Being in fellowship with our Brothers and Sisters sharing stories of seasons of waiting and studying the Scriptures together provide encouragement and learning opportunities. 

●      Remembering God’s past faithfulness. The Psalmists call us to remember the ways of the Lord, and His faithfulness in past generations despite our own rebellious hearts (Psalm 78,  Psalm 103, Psalm 106). Reflection on how God has been patient with you and me is a powerful reminder of how we can also “wait well” and accept God’s grace and kindness when we are not.  

●      Surrender to God’s will. Throughout His earthly ministry, the Gospels share Jesus' foretelling of His own atoning death (and resurrection). Can you imagine knowing your agonizingly painful future - a physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual pain - and still walking patiently with love, mercy, peace, grace and truth? That is the power of Christ. And we have an inheritance in Him through His death and resurrection.  2 Corinthians 13:5 boldly states “Or do you not realize in yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?” In Christ through the Holy Spirit we can grow in sanctification to walk in God’s will as Christ has done! 

We have all of the spiritual blessings in the heavenly places through our union with Jesus Christ! Hold on loosely to the things that are out of your control (throne zone) and focus on what God can teach us through His spirit in times of waiting. In Christ, Brothers and Sisters, we can learn to wait well. 

KB