Strong spirits: waiting at the right pace

Do you drive in Rockford?  Do you know enough to wait a few seconds at the intersection before entering it on a green light?  So many people blowing through on lights already long red.  Why?  They are in a hurry...

Dallas Willard has said, "Hurry is not of the Devil... hurry IS the Devil."

No one likes to wait.  But God waits...

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."  the apostle Peter (2 Peter 3:9)

"Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he (Jesus) stayed where he was  two more days."  (John 11:6)

Impatience is a curse of our time.  I want what I want and I want it now. Impatience is a matter of pride, of fear, and of a need to control.  How much better to let God guide our steps.  His pace is always right.

"Love is patient." (1 Corinthians 13:4)  How about you and me?

Gary Schwerin serves as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church. He is also 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.

You can also watch short videos from Gary on Facebook.