Ahh…“the wait.” Why is it that it seems harder and harder to wait? I watched a mom at the grocery store the other day as her 2 year old threw himself dramatically onto the floor not wanting to wait. I had to turn away and laugh because waiting is so very frustrating even as adults. Maturity tells us it’s not appropriate and temper tantrums don’t work but sometimes even adults go there. The good news is God never turns away from us, although, He may chuckle at times knowing that the frustrating wait is meant for our good. Wisdom comes during “the wait” and He has lots to teach us.
The problem is that we live in a culture of instant – I want it now world. Technology allows us to consume our time with a mobile device and we’re loosing our ability to have to wait. What had been boring wait time is now an opportunity to check our mobile phones and fill the time with work, social media and entertainment. We use to call it dead time – wasted time. Now we fill it. Having the ability to not waste time seems like a good thing until we realize that we’re loosing our ability to be patient and and opportunity to think, observe, and contemplate during those boring interludes. Now our faces are planted in a tech screen and we don’t have to engage in thought or with others. We’re in our own world focused and in control. Or are we? Romans 1:28 says, “Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not be done.” NIV. Are our minds being manipulated and brain washed with an over abundance of media?
Just as a child trusts the wisdom of a parent so too we’re to trust our Father in Heaven. Luke 21:19 says, “By your endurance you will gain your lives.” (NASB). We’re to endure – wait, and when we do, God promises that we will “reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NIV). During “the wait” it then becomes up to us to decide if we want to trust Him and wait patiently, or throw ourselves down and wail. It comes down to our consistent intimate relationship – maturity with God. How we control our emotions is a surrendering of our will. Just as Jesus taught us to pray, “…your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.” Matthew 6:10 (NIV), God works on His timing and not ours.
Next time you’re frustrated and waiting for God to answer your prayers. Examine what you’re doing during those boring times or if you’re even having them. Quiet time may be an opportunity for you to hear something from God. You’ll never hear Him if you don’t turn off the media distractions. You might even find “the wait” gets shorter.
