Learning to Wait

Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master's Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time. James 5:7-8

We say, "I can’t wait to save up money for ________." Meanwhile, God says, "I can’t wait for this person to learn the importance of discipline and patience in his life." The young person says, "I can’t wait till I get married." Meanwhile, God says, "I can’t wait for this person to control his flesh and emotions." We want to grow outwardly in success; meanwhile, God wants us to grow inwardly as a person of integrity.

James 5:8 tells us that God establishes our hearts and builds character that will outlast temporary success in our circumstances. Inward character is greater than outward success. Romans 5 instructs us that in spite of outward failure suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character and character produces hope, and hope will never disappoint us, and therefore we are never failures. The person of Christ-like character is never a loser, but always a winner. While we wait for something to happen outside of us, God is working within us. What we wait for is not as important as what God is waiting to happen in us.

Remember-- Delayed gratification is a sign of the Spirit-filled life; instant gratification is a sign of the flesh-filled life. Waiting is the mark of spiritual maturity. Impatience is the mark of spiritual adolescence. Delayed gratification is the result of wisdom.

But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31