Let's face it! Not very many of us are patient people! I am certainly not the most patient of people; however, I have learned to slow down in the pace of life that I set for myself. I realized that in setting my own pace for life, I was not allowing God to have His perfect work in me. Although I am not the most patient in the world, in recent years I have found myself in simple situations (like waiting in line at the store, waiting for something to happen on my time clock, etc.) where I have to be patient. Don't get me wrong! I would NEVER pray for patience; as God would put me in many other situations where I have to be patient. However, if I find myself in certain situations where I have to wait longer than I previously wanted or expected, then I do seize the opportunity to do so! Why do I do this? One may ask! But to me, the answer as to why I do it is really quite simple! I have simply learned that His timing-for whatever it may be in my life-is always the best timing! I used to try to beat His watch for certain season changes in my life; but, I crashed and burned every single time! Some had absolutely disastrous consequences, I might add! But all of which, I have learned one fundamental truth-God's timing is always perfect! There is really no need-whatsoever-to hurry the process!
In saying so, I have learned to have patience when it comes to God's ultimate plan for my life. I have learned to put aside all plans, thoughts, etc., for my own future. Not only do I place them all aside; but also, in placing them aside, I place them in the hands of God. I go to Him in petition (prayer) and thanksgiving, laying all I ever wanted to do at His feet! It took me a long time to become this way. But, life has a way of showing you how to truly be grateful and filled with humility, surrendering everything over to Him, allowing His will for your life to take place- not your own! I have learned that in doing this, I always end up where I wanted to be, needed to be, and far greater than where I ever thought I could be. After seeing what happened when I exhibited patience with God's plans in my life (and not trying to set my own plans for my life), I began to see the seasons of my life change rapidly. I began to see the greater come into my path. I even began to see how this patience had an effect on my own mindset, my thoughts, my world!. You see, once I truly laid down the plans I had for my own life, the stresses and pressures that were mounting inside of me (because I was trying so hard to make things happen), all seemed to dissipate! They just began to disappear! As a result, I began to feel the peace and presence of God in my life more and more! I began to feel so much joy in my life! All of my worrying was gone! It's amazing what God can do to us and for us, if we just give Him control! Is it always easy for me to just "let go" of things? No, it never is! But, the more I do it, the easier it is becoming for me to just "let go". And on days where just "letting go" seems to wear me down even more so, I just sit back and reflect on how God has ALWAYS made a way for me! I just reflect on how He has "ALWAYS" carried me! He even rescued me time and time again, when I had placed myself in the pit that I was in. I am a much better person now that I have made an absolute place for Christ to do what He plans to do in my life! I have never regretted that decision! Ever! I encourage you to do the same! Just as He has brought me through over and over again, He has done the very same for you! So, why not? What do you really have to loose? If you ask me, you have nothing else to lose; but oh, so much to gain! The Bible says it best, "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing". (James 1:4)
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