I am a byproduct of the microwave, drive through, TV dinner generation.  We are not generally defined as patient, and while I am not sure that is true it is a stereotype for a reason.  The interesting thing is my wife and I are not both members of this generation because this generation is not characterized (like most) by age but rearing.

Growing up my family used drive thrus, microwaves, and TV dinners often while my wife was raised making most things from scratch.  Add in the fact that my personality is one of go go go on top of it and I expect things done quickly and correctly.  Alas God and I are often on very different time tables.

A couple of weeks ago I spoke about God being Omnipresent (check it out) and this applies at all times not just when when I want to talk about theology and Him orchestrating the coming of His Son.  Even on a Wednesday afternoon God is Omnipresent.  The general idea is that He is always current and present.  But what does that have to do with me being impatient?  Good question.

There are 16 references to waiting on the Lord in the Psalms and most of them very similar almost like the Psalmist used cut and paste just saying “I wait on the Lord.”  My least favorite is Psalm 62:1 “Truly my soul silently waits for God.”  Uck I mean maybe I could wait but silently come on.

The fact remains that even when it is quite God can and is still working.  I need to learn to take some time to rest in Him and not try (like I could) to rush His process even when I am waiting on Him for things for Him (more on that in a minute).  I have to be able to wait on God when I do not know what to do and when I do know.  Both cases require waiting just in different ways.

When I do not know what to do I have to wait for direction and that is hard.  It is hard to just sit and be still.  To just wait on Him to speak, to just spend time with Him even if He does not say something.  Harder still is waiting when I know what to do and it is for Him (or by Him).

My wife and I are currently trying to take a chance believing that it is a leading from God.  We are as sure as we can be that He is saying to do this thing so we are trying.  The problem is I have microwave patience and God (as well as others) do not.  So instead of making a mistake and getting into trouble I need to wait on Him to act.  That is hard and I do not like being there, but it is the right place to be.

Closing thought – Psalm 40:1&3 “I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined me, and heard my cry…He has put a new song in my mouth. Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear and I will trust in the LORD.

This new thing we are trying is so scary that I know there will be pushback from people because it will disrupt their comfort zones.  I need to remember to be patient with them, and trust in Him.

Just a thought,

Mike