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I am not a patient person.
My generation of younger millennials are often called “the microwave generation” because we know what we want and we want it now! We’re used to immediate gratification and because in a world that is changing so quickly, there’s no time to waste.
But sometimes, life requires that we slow down and take things one day at a time. Whether we’re waiting for a response to an application in this pretty terrible job market, or waiting to heal from heartbreak or a health scare, waiting is an unavoidable part of living life.
I’m really working on my patience and when I’m struggling to find the strength to wait, I turn to God who gives me strength to do all things, even the things I don’t feel like doing. There are so many stories, verses, and lessons in the Bible about people whose patience was tested but their endurance and faith were ultimately rewarded.
There are going to be many seasons of life. Some will be fruitful and abundant with blessings and opportunities. Other seasons will feel dry and silent. I want to be able to move through every season of life with strong faith.
Here are a few stories from the Bible that encourage and inspire me when I’m in the midst of a waiting season.
1. The Story of Job
If anybody knows about having patience, it’s Job. This man lost everything out of nowhere! The entire book of Job is dedicated to the story of how God stripped Job of his family, friends, home, and riches to see if Job would still praise God. And you know what, he did! It wasn’t easy for Job, he certainly had a lot of distress and a lot of questions, but ultimately he kept the faith and his story reminds me that with healing is possible if you give it a little time.
2. Moses and the Israelites in the Wilderness
After escaping the wrath of Pharaoh in Egypt, Moses led the formerly enslaved Israelites on a journey to the Promised Land. However, this was not an easy going road trip. Exodus 16 as well as Numbers 14 detail how the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years. Moses’ patience during this time was crucial as his people were beginning to lose faith and focus while they waited for God’s promise. Their story reminds me to pay attention to how God provides even when things don’t seem to be going the way I might’ve expected.
3. Joseph, the Interpreter of Dreams
Joseph was the favorite son of his father and his 11 brothers were very jealous. They sold Joseph into slavery and things got worse and more confusing for Joseph from there. After enduring slavery, betrayal, and imprisonment, Joseph eventually becomes second-in-command to the Pharaoh and the interpreter of dreams. He is in a position of power to help his brothers who betrayed him and he shows them forgiveness. His story, detailed in the later chapters of Genesis (37-45), is a reminder that our gifts will not go to waste. God has a purpose and a plan if we have the patience to see it through.
4. Abraham and Sarah
Abraham and Sarah had longed for a child and weren’t able to have any children. But God promised them in Genesis 15 that Abraham would have many descendants so they patiently waited. And they waited for a long time. The couple were well into old age when they finally conceived a son, Isaac. Despite their doubts and the long wait, Abraham and Sarah were able to keep their faith and trust that the things they were believing for would come true.
5. Ruth and Boaz
The story of Ruth is a favorite of the church girls. If you aren’t familiar with the book of Ruth, let me break it down: Ruth is married to Naomi’s son. But a famine strikes the land and the son dies. Ruth stays with her mother-in-law Naomi, caring for her, traveling with her, working in the fields to provide for them both. In her work, she meets a man named Boaz and the two fall in love and eventually marry. This famous Biblical love story also contains a lesson about patience and perseverance. Ruth didn’t know how things were going to end up for her and Naomi. But she was willing to put in the time and the effort to plant the seeds so blessings could eventually grow.
I’m trying to remember that just because I am in a rush doesn’t mean that God is. The Bible is full of reminders that those that wait on the Lord renew their strength and much, much more. I’m leaning on the Word in my waiting season and praying for patience for the days to come.
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