The waiting is the hardest part
over the years? Just as in many hit songs that have been produced over the years, it was the truth and relevance in the lyrics. By nature, we are not very patient people. Whether it’s waiting in line at Kroger, for a real estate closing, for marriage or any number of good things, there’s always the hard part of waiting. There are some benefits of waiting and God has a purpose when He makes us wait. I’m going to share some of those here.
First of all, wait- ing reveals our true motives. The Bible tells us to focus on things that are eternal. Many things that we do in our lives and ministries have ulterior motives. People who don’t have good motives won’t wait long. They’re too interested in short-term gains or success.
Secondly, waiting builds patience in our lives. By learning to wait for small things, it conditions us to have patience in larger things. We all want God to do great things in and through our lives. However, if we can’t wait for God to do the small things, it will be very difficult for us to wait on the greater things.
Waiting also builds anticipation. Patience can, and often will, be rewarding. In most cases, the longer we have to wait on our desires, the more we appreciate it when it comes to pass.
Waiting can transform who we really are. Not only have the grace and mercy of God and other believers caused me to be a more under- standing person, they have also helped me become more patient with people and circumstances.
Finally, waiting builds intimacy with, and dependency upon, God. Some of the closest friendships we have are a result of when a friend stood by us in some of the most difficult times of our lives. I’ve heard it said that a true friend is one who becomes closer to you, when others are walking away. Proverbs 18:24 says, “A man that hath friends must shew him- self friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” Jesus is the truest of friends that you’ll ever find. Hebrews 13:5 tells us, “For he has said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” When everyone else walks out on you, He’s promised to be by your side. The waiting is the hardest part, but you can have peace in that time knowing that He is with you.
“Waiting time is not wasting time when you’re waiting on God.” – Dr. Woody Lee. Be Blessed.