Tags
Related Posts
Share This
Patience is Bitter, but the Fruit is Sweet.
Let me start by saying that patience is something I struggle with greatly. I want to jump out of my skin when I’m waiting for an answer from someone, and when one of my children is dawdling over their breakfast, I can flip out pretty easily. Impatience is a sin I have to confess in my prayers most often, and while God has really challenged and stretched me in this area, I still have plenty of room for improvement.
I’m fairly certain that our culture creates and nurtures the impatient spirit. Everything is at our fingertips — we get what we want, when we want it, which is often NOW. We "politely honk" our horns if the person in front of us at a red light doesn’t advance promptly at the switch to green. Letter writing is nearly obsolete because we can text or IM someone and get an immediate response. Our lives are crammed with far too much activity, and we have not been diligent about ruthlessly eliminating "hurry" from our world. Impatience is normal, and expected.
This psalm contradicts the expectation. We cannot predict when and how God will answer, nor should we. The Bible assures us that He answers, and we can trust this promise and pray in faith. We don’t, however, have the option of paying a few extra bucks for express delivery. He wants us to keep asking.
Persistent, patient prayer can be a difficult process. It can, in fact, be downright excruciating. While intercession for my friends and family can be a roller coaster of inconsistency, I have one or two "biggie" requests that have worn out my knees. I have poured out my heart and tears to a God whom I know hears me and could intervene.
I have yet to receive an answer. Perhaps the silence is an answer in itself? Could it mean, "wait?" "Be strong and take heart and wait?"
A dear friend of mine is struggling with her marriage. She and her husband have come to an impasse in their relationship, and communication has come to a screeching halt. I know she has prayed (as have I). But she feels like giving up and walking out. I advised her to wait. I begged her to hold on and keep trying. I prayed that God would show her how to respect her husband and her husband how to love his wife. I have no doubt that God’s will for their relationship is nothing short of healing and restoration.
Isn’t it interesting how God speaks to you as you give someone else counsel? My words for her are ones that I should heed. Even if she doesn’t see immediate changes in her marriage, won’t God surely comfort her, give her peace, and show her how to trust Him even more? When patience is bitter for me to swallow, should I not remember the fruit that comes from asking, seeking, and spending time in the presence of my Maker…who knows and loves me best?
This is why I love my wife so much. God has given her such wisdom and a heart that breaks for others. Thank you Megan for this reminder that prayer and waiting (and not acting) can be the best next step.
Megan thank you for serving. I too have been encouraged and challenged as I speak words of life to a friend. God then convicts and reminds me of the same or similar things in my life. Patirnce in prayer is a life long learning thing. I agree that God uses that time of waiting to align my heart with God’s heart.
Thanks Megan. Raising children will show you whether you have patience, and they will teach it to you if you’re willing. What if God were impatient with His children? What if he gave us stuff just to make us shut up, or whacked us when we were being “a child” ? What if He was having a bad day and yelled at us – could we stand His thunder? Standing on this side of raising kids, I regret impatience more than anything, and I thank God deeply for the times I did listen to Him and waited, even when people said we were fools.
Patience is a fruit of the Spirit… bitter and sweet. Bitter because I always want it now. Sweet because in God’s economy the process of growing the fruit is, in reality, the actual fruit.
Thanks Megan for pushing me to slow a bit this morning… think, reflect, and see how the process is going.
Megan, stay in his presence, that’s where you will begin to see things that God wants you to see. Wait quietly and the answer will come. The most exciting thing about prayer is the impact it has on the human spirit. God loves you very much, and he enjoys your worship. You become like sweet smelling incense before him, he will continue to perfect you everyday. I will leave you with a prayer. Heavenly Father, I thank you for the privilege and opportunity to fellowship with you in prayer, and make my request known unto you. I will rejoice at your word that lets me know that your ears are attentive to my request, and that it’s your good pleasure to grant my heart’s desires. Thank you for this wonderful blessing and privilege, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. Megan he hears you. God bless you.
Thanks Megan…I am Kacy Fabie’s Mom in Arizona. I too struggle with patience and am thankful that God has never given up on me. I keep remembering In His Perfect Timing and His Perfect Plan.
Every time I get in the express line at any check out counter the line seems to stop. I warn people that get behind me that when I am in line, express turns into a patience building experience…when they ask why??? I simply say, God is still trying to teach me patience and I don’t seem to have the hang of it yet. I believe God is using my weakness to witness! Amazing how He works! Bless you for your witness too!
I love your heart, Megan. Thank you for the reminder to wait upon the Lord and for your honesty…both here and in our friendship. I love you!