I’m the kind of person who likes to jump into things head on, shouting from the rooftops, “Let’s do this!”
However, life has really slowed down lately. And it’s making me want to scream “hurry up!” from the rooftops instead.
A few months ago, we moved to Texas and, honestly, settling down has been harder than we thought.
- Adjusting to a new job
- Living in a tiny apartment with boxes everywhere
- Waiting for our house in Georgia to sell so we can purchase a home here in Texas
We want things to speed up.
We want things to be convenient.
We want to control what’s next.
Where is the patience, you ask? Ever heard of the story tortoise and the hare, Brittany? Slow and steady win the race?
For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts know the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. | Romans 8:24-28
We all want good things to happen in our lives, but too often we want it now, not later.
When it doesn’t happen that way,
we are tempted to ask, “When, God, when?”
I know for a fact that I’ve been impatient, frustrated, and disappointed because there were things I didn’t know.
Jesus is a huge example of patience.
Hebrews 12 says Jesus’ death on the cross was something He endured. While His crucifixion was for our salvation, the Bible says His death is also an example for our lives. When we are worn down during life changes and daily tasks we are reminded of this:
...looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the tight hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. | Hebrews 12:2-3
Whatever the task that God has called us to,
we need to continue doing the work—
even if we don’t see the progress we would like to see.
Even Jesus was patient in following his Father’s will. During His time on earth, he loved on the rich and poor, he helped those in need, he taught the disciples, and not just taught but put the importance of prayer and time with His heavenly father as a priority. Jesus endured for us so we can be free from the bondage of sin. The greatest victory continues to be a victory because we know our Savior lives forevermore.
Most of us have spent our lives trying to take care of ourselves, but when we accept Christ as our Savior, we must learn to trust our lives to His care. When my flesh is finally crucified, and I get out of my ways and into doing the will of God, that’s when I enter the promised land. The promised land is knowing who you are in Christ, knowing how to fellowship with Him, enjoying His presence, and having peace, contentment, and joy.
My prayer for you is that during seasons of change and quiet, slow periods of life, you won’t be weary and lose heart. Don’t run out on the one who will give you victory.
Come Awake 
I can so relate…. always in a hurry…do not patiently wait… thank-you for the reminder
Be strong. I don’t know where you are, but you’re surrounded by Texans, so you’ll feel strength oozing down your street. I think God grants us an extra helping cause he knows the Lone Star State is full of sweet people but we have strong opinions. Maybe it’s the heat. Take care and keep writing!