Having Peace While We Wait…

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“But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
Romans 8:25

Let me introduce you to our dog, Jenny.  In this photo she is patiently waiting for supper or perhaps, a tasty snack. She is focused and steady.  She will wait for extended periods of time.  She has peace while she waits, but still remains alert.

In this case, Jenny does better than most children in terms of waiting.  In the December countdown toward Christmas, it is so hard for children to wait patiently for THE BIG DAY.  Either they are nearly besides themselves with anticipation and longing, or they begin to despair of Christmas ever coming.

How are you at patiently waiting?  At having peace within yourself as you await the Lord’s coming in your life?  Here I am not just speaking of the Lord Jesus’ return, which we eagerly await, but waiting on the everyday answers to prayer that we lay before the Lord.  I often ask for the Lord’s intervention in troubled times in my life, and then I am far from patient as He answers in His perfect timing.

I want the answer/relief/outcome that I have asked for, and when it doesn’t come immediately, I growl and groan and grumble.  I confess that I am not nearly as patient as my hound dog, for often my agenda intrudes into God’s perfect plan for my life.  I often want what I want, when I want it.

I am thankful that God sent His Son in His perfect timing, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law.  And I am thankful for His mercy and forgiveness toward me when I am less than peacefully patient.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the timing you have for me in my life.  Forgive me for my impatience and small sightedness as I await your answers and your coming.  May your kingdom come and your will be done.  Amen.

Text and Picture Copyright Steve Nickodemus