patiently waiting

This is the view from my country home front porch….”patiently waiting” to get out there.


 
“I beg you to live the way God’s people should live, because He chose you to be His. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient and accept each other with love.” Ephesians 4:1-2
Okay, I can think of several situations that God reminds me to be patient with each day. Just at this present stage, He prompts me to be patient with students at school, my own children, traffic, the forever process to even begin with our home renovations (!!!!), myself, certain family members, and the list could go on and on.
We often want to ask “Whyyyyyyyy, Lord?” Then I think about all the times God has been and still is patient with me. Boy oh boy, He probably would like to shake His head, raise His hands, and scream “Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyy, Stephanie?” But…oh yea, He’s God. He exemplifies patience and love. The thing is (I think) He has the inside scoop. Our Heavenly Father sees the big picture and sees how we grow from these “trying” times, and that when we stick with Him things will turn out for His glory in the end. We, on the other hand, see the here and now and wonder why we can’t have our demands or compliances now. Right now!
Breathe. Just breathe. There are lessons to be learned through each process. God’s got this.
Yes, I have to continue reminding myself of those three little words right now while we are STILL waiting for even the county permit process to be completed so we can begin renovations on our country home. Even my builder said, “I didn’t pray for patience, so I know this is not a test.” I replied, “Me either!” All I do know is that in the end, to God be given ALL the glory.
“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” 2 Peter 3:9
Friend, God sees the big picture. He keeps The Main Thing the main thing, and so should we. These situations in life will pass. We may think that our “hurry-up-and-get-to”s are of the utmost importance, but what we all need to really have a sense of urgency about is sharing Jesus’ life and love with others.
So, right now, delight in the fact that if you are a Christian, YOU ARE HIS! All these “impatient situations” are building your character and will come to a conclusion. Tough? You bet! Worth it in the end? If you stick with God, absolutely!
“Yahweh, the Lord, is a kind and merciful God. He is slow to become angry. He is full of great love. He can be trusted.” Exodus 34:6
“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.” Romans 15:5
“May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:5
“Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands.” Deuteronomy 8:2
Please click here to subscribe so you won’t miss a journal entry. THANK YOU!!!
Follow me on Instagram @stephanie_shuff
I pray that you will enjoy soaking up The Son every moment of each day. –Stephanie