At once…

Now…

Immediately…

These are words that come to mind regarding the fast-paced lifestyle many of us find ourselves in. We expect our newspaper to be on the front porch when we wake up. We expect traffic signals to turn green the instant we approach them. We expect a bag of popcorn to explode into light, fluffy goodness in exactly three-and-a-half minutes.

But what happens when our desires don’t materialize in what we consider to be a timely fashion? We may experience frustration, grumpiness, possibly even anger.

As one of the fruits of the Spirit, patience is a character trait God desires to produce in us (Galatians 5:22-23).

Yet the only way to really learn what it means to be patient is to experience it firsthand.

Noah lived in a time when lawlessness and sin were the rule, not the exception. Imagine his reaction when God told him about his plan to destroy humanity! Picture Noah’s reaction when God told him to build a boat, giving him specific dimensions and directions! Imagine having to wait 120 years to see it happen!

I wonder if Noah ever said to himself: “Okay Lord, things are getting worse instead of better. Aren’t you going to execute your plan? After all, it’s already been fifteen years!”

Thankfully, Noah learned the lesson of patience, trusted God’s timing, and was spared from the flood as a result.

Our response when something doesn’t happen on schedule speaks to how well we have learned to be patient. May be God has something better just around the corner! He will let you know when He’s ready! Or perhaps when you’re ready!!

Be patient in your faith!

“For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:36)

(PR)