The Weight of Waiting

"Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered." - James 5:10-11

If we're honest with ourselves, we have to admit that we are not patient people. So when God tells us to wait in response to our prayers, we have a hard time. Wait, in our vocabulary, carries with it a negative connotation. "Wait" means we actually have to be patient. And so often our patience runs short and is followed quickly by discouragement.

When that happens we need to remember that God has given us example after example in the Bible of those who had to wait on the fulfillment of God's promises.

Maybe you're waiting for an answer from God right now, and you're beginning to get discouraged. If so, think about this: Not one person mentioned in the Old Testament ever got to see Jesus Christ. They never saw the fulfillment of God's ultimate promise.

Yet, they waited patiently and hoped eagerly. They were excited about spreading God's message and they looked forward to the day he would answer their prayers.

Don't give up hope while waiting on God. He will fulfill his promises to you; just have the patience to wait.

Dear God, You are the God of faith and promises. I know that you have promised to hear my prayers and to answer them according to your will. But so often, I grow impatient and want you to answer immediately. Help me to become more patient and to wait on you. And while I wait, help me to focus instead on the things you have given and all the times you have answered my prayers. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.