Waiting is the hardest part.
Waiting for test results.
Waiting for change of seasons.
Waiting for a friend to arrive.
Waiting for a call back.
Waiting in line at your favorite store.
Waiting in line for TSA.
Waiting in the doctor’s office.
Waiting for the birth of a baby.
Waiting for family to heal.
I want it NOW.
We have Insta-Pot/microwave lives. We don’t want to wait, we want it now. Remember what happened to Veruca Salt and Violet Beauregarde in Willy Wonka? Veruca sang, “I want it now!” and she ended up in the trash with the bad eggs. Violet turned Violet and needed to be juiced. Their impatience and entitlement did not serve them well.
What if you wait?
Yes, I’m going from Roald Dahl writing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory/Willy Wonka to James writing The Book of James ~The Passion Translation.
“My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up power within you to endure all things. And then as your endurance grows even stronger it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.” James 1:2-4
Patience.
The New King James version of the above scripture says, “But let patience have its perfect work.” Patience doesn’t make things perfect. God does. I’m not trivializing the pain you are in while waiting for a life and death test result. Nor, am I elevating your wait in the grocery store. What if while waiting, God shows you a revelation? What if after the wait, after the trial, you see something you know you couldn’t have done yourself? Did God send a friend? Did you witness a miracle? Was it the worst trial you ever faced, but saw above the waves what only God could have done in the small things to get you through?
Joy.
The further I’m pushed, the closer I press in, the more I can see God’s glory. That is joy. Even in the pain and trial.
I pray, whatever trial you are facing, you will see God.
I pray, just like spring blooming, you will be refreshed. I pray, Jesus, who died and rose again, will be your “go to” as we celebrate Him this weekend. I pray, your endurance is strong to see you through to the finish.
Happy Easter,
Susan