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We live in an era where waiting and hoping don't often intertwine. We are used to our conveniences, and we don't have to hope for much because we are encouraged to be go-getters who take hold of what we desire. Yet, there is an aspect of the Christian life that requires waiting and patience for what one hopes for. And we cannot discard these traits of the faith just because the times have changed and everything is fast-paced.
We are told in Romans 8:24-25 - We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. / But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently) (NLT). Rome's Christians were told to hold on to the hope of reaching heaven. Paul also encouraged them to hold on to that hope with patience and confidence.
Yes, patience is a virtue, but how many of us would describe ourselves as patient? And when dealing with the Lord, are we hoping with patience and confidence that He will come through?
Think of it this way: when you pray for something, how much time is acceptable to wait for God's answer? Is it a day? How about a few weeks? Can you wait months? What about years? And can you do all that waiting with patience? Are you also able to maintain your confidence in the Lord as you wait? Or do you think He will fail you?
If most of us were to be truthful, we would admit we'd have trouble waiting for months and certainly for years. Honesty also requires us to confess that patience and confidence would not be the hallmarks of our waiting season. We'd be dialing the Lord's throne room with every passing moment, saying, "God, when?"
Sure, we can trust and believe God to get us to heaven, but many have trouble holding on to hope for the physical things they want or need. And that disbelief causes them to go get what they want, when they want it, never stopping to consider whether God wanted it for them or was already working on bringing something even better their way.
Nevertheless, the Christian faith requires patience and a confidence in the Lord. Patience for the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, plus patience for the things we have prayed for. Yes, we are to be eager for the day of the Savior, but we must patiently wait to see Him face to face (1 Corinthians 1:7; Romans 8:25). And we must be confident that the day will come.
Therefore, we don't need to know the exact day of that meeting. We must instead understand that God, in His divine authority, will determine the when. All we need to do is live like the five virgins whose lamps were ready with oil (Matthew 25). They were confident the bridegroom would return and put everything in place. We too must be heaven-focused and do the same.
And as for the physical needs and desires we are seeking God for, we can't abandon patience as we hope in Him to deliver. This means that if we have asked Him for something, we don't need to figure out how to get it. Don't uproot the seed of faith you planted through your prayer. Abraham and Sarah did this when they birthed Ishmael. Hebrews 10:35 - So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
God is faithful, and He can be trusted. If we believe in Him, then our hope dictates that we apply patience and confidence as we wait on Him to bring forth His promises and answer our petitions. God bless you.
What are your thoughts? Please share them. And as you wait for fellowship, watch the video in the Altar Call and read these old posts:
