But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Romans 8:25

Ask any toddler (or adult) and they’ll tell you “waiting is hard.” But it’s one of the most significant things we can do.

If you’re like me, you hate driving somewhere, only to hit every red light. It’s infuriating after a long day and especially when you’re late for a meeting.

I’ve found we can learn a lot about ourselves when we’re forced to wait. Are we the spoiled, impatient brat who wants it NOW? Or are we patient, trusting that God’s will is better than ours?

More often than I’d like to admit, I act like an impatient brat, demanding that the bulb flash green. But I’m subject to the machine’s will, and choose to wait, because unless I break the law, waiting is my only option. Of course, without traffic lights, there’d be accidents everywhere as people would cross the streets simultaneously.           

I believe God sometimes uses our circumstances as “red lights” in order to keep us safe, prepare the way for what is coming, or teach us important lessons. 

We don’t always understand why we’re forced to wait, but that isn’t an excuse to sin. The next time our patience is tested, let’s not grumble in our metaphorical cars. Let’s find joy and trust the Bible when it speaks of God’s faithfulness. Just because we’re waiting, doesn’t mean we’re forgotten. He cares, and that’s probably why we’re waiting.

Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You for using delays to teach me patience. I don’t always understand, but I believe Your will is perfect and You know what is best. I ask for renewed strength to wait on Your timing, and that I’ll resist the temptation to sin.

Further Reading: Grace Still Means Saying “I’m Sorry.”

Take Action

Someone recently told me: “If you want to know where your heart lies, look where your mind goes when it wanders.” Today, pay attention to where it wanders. When it drifts towards worry or frustration, switch immediately to prayer: tell God at least one character quality of His that you’re grateful for.