Waiting... waiting... waiting....

I don't know about all of you but it seems that this period of my life is characterized by WAITING. Waiting to graduate, waiting get grades back, waiting for summer, waiting at redlights, waiting for Mr. Right, waiting for God to reveal what He wants for me after I graduate, waiting for my beach trip, waiting for Powerlife, waiting for the 'real world', waiting for our church to find a pastor, waiting.... waiting... waiting... and ultimately waiting to be reunited with Jesus! I don't think this is just a characteristic of the college phase. I think most people would say they are WAITING for something. Waiting for a new job, waiting to have kids, waiting to get married, waiting to retire, waiting... waiting... waiting... I think it's simply our nature to look ahead and it doesn't help that we live in a culture that is always talking about the future and is never content. But what do we do about this? What does the Bible say? How can we be "a sweet aroma" even while waiting?

The answer PATIENCE.

Websters defines patient as: bearing pains calmly or without complaint; not hasty; steadfast despite oppositoin, difficulty, or adversity.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit we are given the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, PATIENCE, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, genlteness, self-control. (Galatians 5.22-23) As children of the Author of the universe and Author of our life stories, we should live a life characterized by patience. I often have to remind myself of this when I find myself itching to be done with school or like many of my friends, find the man designed for me and have a family. But God call us to be content in all circumstances (Phil. 4.11) and wait patienly for Him.

Psalm 37.7: Be still before the Lord and wait patienly for Him.

Psalm 27.14: Wait for the Lord, be strong, take heart, and wait for the Lord.

Neal Maxwell says "Faith in God includes faith in God's timing."

Why do we wait patiently?Because we cling to the promises that God has a plan for our lives (Jer. 29.11) and that He works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8.28).

One day while browsing Pinterst (something I often do while waiting) I found this quote by Charles Stanley: "Our willingness to wait reveals the value we place onthe object we're waiting for." I love this because anything that is worth having is worth waiting for.

So if we know we are going to have to wait for the important things, the good things, we might as well be content and joyful in the process. And if we want to live a life truly characterized by patience we need to be about the Lord's business while waiting. But what do we do while we wait??? Besides just being patient???

Romans 12.12: Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

1 Thessalonians 5.16-18: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I love this! Paul doesn't beat around this bush here. He just says 'this is God's will for you'.

1. REJOICE!!! If you are alive and have accepted the grace of Jesus, REJOICE! Life is good!!!

2. PRAY!!! We are blessed to have constant access to our Father. The one who provides patience, joy, peace, love, on and on, everything we could ever need. You ever notice when you're not having such a good day and you talk to a friend who is full of joy, it naturally makes you a little more joyful. It's the same with prayer. If you are in search of patience, seek the Creator of patience, He will supply... ALWAYS!

3. GIVE THANKS!!! Be thankful. Everyday is an opportunity to love and be loved by the God of the universe and also an opportunity to love and be loved by the other beautiful people the Lord has designed. Be thankful that your God has a plan and it will be good. And be thankful that God has given you an opportunity to grow in patience, because growing in patience makes you more like HIM!

So maybe when we are being patient...

waiting...waiting...waiting...
turns into
rejoicing....rejoicing...rejoicing...
praying....praying....praying...
thanking...thanking....thanking

and all of a sudden waiting... waiting... waiting is simply a BLESSING!