Strong spirits: patience
Hurry is almost never a good idea.
How would you end this sentence: "I can't wait until..."?Or, how would you answer this: What are you waiting for?Or this: when was the last time you were impatient with someone?
Patience is something we all need. The lack of it something we all struggle with. Patience is a grace that can really help us through the day, and impatience can get us into a lot of trouble. The world is full of people in a hurry - including, often, us. And hurry is almost never a good idea.
The Bible tells us "Love is patient..." (1 Corinthians 13:4). So, when we are impatient, we are likely lacking in love. King David gave us some great advice:
"Wait for the Lord. Be strong, let your heart take courage, and wait for the Lord." (Psalm 27:14) And just before that, he affirms his confidence in God: "I believe that I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." (Psalm 27:13)
Our impatience shows a lack of trust in God. It shows us how we need to be in control, to have things our way. God has been so patient with us. Should we not be patient with ourselves and others?
Let's ask God for his help: to trust him; to slow down; to be patient. He will!
Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.
