Before meals or the excitement of an upcoming activity our little toddler bounces, squeals, and whines. Her desire is for the “thing” now, right now. No waiting. Instant. The food, the play-doh, bubbles it doesn’t matter. Whatever she wants she wants it immediately. 

In our house, we often sing the chorus of the children’s song Have Patience. The beginning of the chorus goes like this: 

Have patience, have patience
Don’t be in such a hurry
When you get impatient, you only start to worry

While my daughter may not understand these words ring true. The idea of patience to a toddler is like a fresh scrape. It stings. It feels uncomfortable. 

However, I too feel the sting of patience. As adults, we too can struggle with the waiting. Struggle in the seasons of waiting on God. Waiting for His plan, His best for us to unfold. 

Having the patience to wait for the right job, the fitting spouse, the children our arms ache to hold. All of it is challenging. Sometimes I too, as my toddler want to throw my hands in the air and whine. I cry out because waiting, being patient is difficult. 

In the waiting I find myself questioning God. Wondering if He really has a plan. If He really knows what is best for me. If He really cares to be good to me. 

Those thoughts are derailing. Those thoughts take my eyes off Jesus. Questioning who God is leads me farther from patience. 

Seasons of waiting are not for God to delight in our pain. No, waiting stretches us, grows us, matures our faith if we let it. If we let God work in a season of waiting we can be lead to patience, to growth, into a deep trust faith relationship with Him. I don’t know about you but that is where I want to be. Deeper. Deeper in the arms of Love. 

Waiting is challenging. Waiting counters all human instincts yet as I watch my daughter learn the character of patience I see it is good. I see the fruit is good from the tree of patience. 

Are you growing patience in your heart garden? Are you facing the difficulty with faith or bitterness? 

 

Romans 8:28  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. ESV

1 Peter 5:7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. NKJV

Psalm 27:14 Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. NLT

Colossians 1:11  We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy NLT

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ESV