Learning To Wait

By Pat

I have often wondered what my life would look like today if I had been more attentive, careful and steadfast in listening for God's instructions. Would I be where I am right now, doing what I'm doing, or would God have me in a completely different place?

I am not always the most patient person in the world, especially when it comes to waiting. I am very diligent about giving my cares to the Lord, but not so great at deciphering what God is telling me. Therefore, many times I have taken matters into my own hands, thinking that God is taking too long to answer me and give me the guidance I need. Or worse...maybe decided that my solution is a little better than God's. That's a hard thing to admit! I'm sure more than once I have been disobedient to God by not waiting for Him.

In 1 Samuel 8, Samuel, by God's authority, told Saul, "Go ahead of me to Gilgal. I will surely come down to you to sacrifice burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, but you must wait seven days until I come to you and tell you what you are to do." Saul, now anointed king of Israel, assembled his men and went to Gilgal as Samuel instructed. But as we read on we find that Saul took matters into his own hands..."He waited seven days, the time set by Samual; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul's men began to scatter. So he said, "Bring me the burnt offerings and the fellowship offerings." And Saul offered up the burnt offering. Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him. "What have you done?" asked Samuel. Saul replied, "When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Micmash, I thought, 'Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the Lord's favor.' So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offerings."

Saul's impatience cost him favor with God, and under pressure Saul's lack of faith was revealed, as mine has been many times. When we stay in God's will and wait for His answers in His perfect timing, we will be blessed so that we can be a blessing to God. Hang in there...He's worth the wait!

Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.