We are creatures governed by time and seasons. And I am not referring to the weather. We were even born at a particular time and season, so in our lifetime, we will never escape these processes from happening. Still, we may become anxious and discouraged when something does not happen when we expect it to. It is human nature to make these incidents happen when we want them to. Still, because it is not something we can control, we must learn the lesson of patience. Some believe the Bible says patience is a virtue, but this quote is not biblical. It comes from a quote by Arian Foster. Yet, Scripture does list patience as one of the Fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-26, ESV). Likewise, I like what the AMP version says about patience, [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting].
According to Bible Study Tools, two Greek words for patience are pa'-shens (hupomone, makrothumia): Patience implies suffering, enduring, or waiting, as a determination of the will and not simply under necessity. (1)
Hupomone means hoop-om-on-ay' from 5278; cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: --enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting). (2)
Makrothumia mak-roth-oo-mee'-ah, from the same as 3116, means forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude: --longsuffering, patience. (3)
And it does not happen overnight, nor can we negotiate with God because He does not move on our schedule. Still, it calls for to be in the waiting room for an unknown time. Something astounding happens when we learn to accept this season and not rush it. Rushing causes us to try and fix something only to make matters worse. Such actions only prolong the blessing God wants to give us. He has a plan for us that requires our complete trust in Him. That trust includes being still and letting Him produce everything for our good. It calls for us to walk by faith and not by sight. (Psalms 46:10, 2 Corinthians 5:7).
Beloved, do not rush the plan of God because it needs some fine-tuning that only He can give it. Do not be in such a hurry because you will miss the lessons patience wants to teach you. These would be endurance when facing difficulty. He builds character to make you all He created you to be. Likewise, you become courageous instead of easily shaken when things do not turn out as planned.
Besides, His plan is always more than you can hope or imagine because the Lord exceeds our expectations. Every dream I had that has come true started like a mustard seed. I saw myself in the future before anything had happened. By trusting God and doing things His way, I am experiencing more than I ever imagined possible. From August 2015 to today, I have published at least one or more books each year. It is something most authors rarely accomplish. Still, I give the glory to my Lord and Savior because, without Him, I am nothing! So, Beloved, act like what you want to become before anything happens. Accept His plan because it is mightier than anything you could ask for and will take you further than you have ever been.
So, how are you acting while you wait? Do you complain or give God thanks? Do you believe in an impossible outcome or believe in the worst-case scenario? Are you recalling what God did in the past or overwhelmed with discouragement and fear? My Friend, when your faith in God is stretched beyond what you can bear, let perseverance have its perfect work in you. Have patience and confidence in the Almighty, and never stop believing. He will transform your plan into the grandest plan you have ever experienced. His plan creates your purpose!
I pray the musical selection, While I Wait by Lincoln Brewster, brings peace to your heart and reassures you that waiting is never wasted.
TIME FOR REFLECTION: Considering the above questions, what do you meditate on while in the Waiting Room? Share a story about when you endured a season waiting for the plan of God to unfold. What valuable lessons did you learn?
Resource Guide:
1. Bible Study Tools. Patience. Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. "Entry for 'PATIENCE'". "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia". 1915. Accessed 1/3/2024
2. Strong, James. The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. s.v. “Hupomone.”
3. Strong, James. The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. s.v. “Makrothumia.”
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