For the vision is yet for an appointed
time and it hastens to the end [fulfilment]; it will not deceive or disappoint.
Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will
not be behindhand on its appointed day. - Habakkuk 2:3
The Waiting Room can
be a confronting and precarious time, and when we're left feeling suspended in
time, unjustly or not; it can motivate a vain and creative attempt to usurp
God’s rightful place; it also leaves us more likely to engage in emotionally charged
decisions, both of which manifest in undesirable ways.
Many things test our patience but delay, as we see
it, strikes at the heart of our hopes, beliefs and
aspirations. As a result we contend with an emotional cocktail of
discouragement; frustration; disappointment; and disillusionment. We become anxious that somehow we’ve been left behind or been
overlooked. Though Charles Swindoll says, true patience is waiting without
worrying. It’s been appropriately said that, it is
tribulation that we make an experiment of our own sincerity. Proverbs cautions the hopeful saying; Hope deferred makes the heart
sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. The
trouble is when it comes to things like dreams being fulfilled we’re in a
hurry, but God isn’t! And it’s in The Waiting
Room; as we await answers to prayer; desired breakthrough;
or the realisation of a dream, that we need the endurance, wisdom and composure
that patience affords.
Waiting patiently in God’s economy is not synonymous
with inactivity, neither is it a convenient excuse for laziness. Patience pays
off, procrastination rarely does! An excerpt from The Daily Bread says; God wants us to see results as we work for Him, but His first
concern is our growth. That’s why He often withholds success until we have
learned patience. The Lord teaches us the needed lesson through the blessed
discipline of delay. Paul uses a pregnancy
metaphor in Romans to encourage us; We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of
course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we
become, and the more joyful our expectancy. Meanwhile,
the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping
us along.
Jesus’ brother James encourages us that challenges,
tests and pressures aren’t pointless, and says; so don't try to get out of
anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and
well-developed, not deficient in any way.
However it’s generally with the benefit of hindsight that we fully appreciate
what The Waiting Room achieves and acquires.
Really, we should thank God for delay
because without it we would lack what it takes, and be seriously unqualified
and unprepared for what lie ahead. Waiting is never a waste of time when you’re
becoming someone in the meantime.
We must confidently know that The Waiting Room has extensive purpose; faith is resolved; attitudes are tested; motives
are refined; trust is gained; doubts are dealt with; identity is questioned
(and shaped); humility is developed; faithfulness is learnt; priorities are
established; and strengths are fortified.
The Daily Bread also
says; Many a man called of God to a work in which he is pouring out his
life, is convinced that the Lord means to bring his efforts to a successful
conclusion. Nevertheless, even such a confident worker grows discouraged at
times and worries because results do not come as rapidly as he would desire.
But growth and strength in waiting are results often greater than the end so
impatiently longed for…
The composure and steadfast nature of a person who
exhibits the discipline of patience, whether in life or leadership, has an
arguable advantage over those who lack this seemingly archaic character
quality; they endure, outlasting adversity despite the challenges;
complications; or inconveniences; they are less likely to be tempted with, or
persuaded by inferior alternatives; and they also appreciate the importance of
prudence and due-diligence in wise decision-making. Patient people rightly
understand and take into consideration their own fallibility, which impatience
too often highlights!
Let’s carefully consider what the Apostle Paul said; So
let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time (in due
season) we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Therefore it's important to deal promptly and decisively with the
distraction of options, and be determined to allow God’s preparation and
process to go full term in our lives. God is orchestrating His perfect
will, that will unfold and eventuate in His good and perfect time.
No comments:
Post a Comment