This is a post from Guest Columnist – Sarah Thacker of Sarah Thacker Adoption Coaching and Consulting.
The word causes the muscles in my neck to tense up nearly immediately.
It causes me to almost audibly groan.
Every time I think I’m a patient person, God does something or presents a situation to require more patience from me:
- Three babies born to me, two of them 2 weeks overdue
- A preschooler who refuses to do things my way
- Waiting for “the phone call” to tell me that they have a child for me
- Waiting for healing in my child’s development and emotional state
- Waiting in Haiti for governments to duke it out while my baby sits in a tent camp
People can be so well-meaning, but they can really grate on the nerves too.
I’ve heard the reminder “All in God’s timing” so many times, I might scream if I hear it again. You will never hear it come from my mouth.
Now trust me, I believe in and surrender to God’s perfect timing, but “all in God’s timing” is not a phrase used in the Bible. I wonder if it’s not there because He knew we wouldn’t find it helpful! Ha!
- I want my child back *NOW*
- I want to be done with being pregnant *NOW*
- I don’t want to wait to get to heaven to see my child healed. I want him healed *NOW*
- I want to know if the child I’m praying for is going to be in my family *NOW*
I’m assuming that all of you have had your patience stretched, whether it has to do with adoption or other life circumstances.
Waiting is hard.
Patience doesn’t come naturally for humans.
God needs to give it to us. I’ve found that in times of waiting, peace and patience can only come through the One who is the author of it in the first place. For me, nothing makes the situation better, except for Him.
Patience is a fruit of the Spirit. He will give us more if we ask Him for it. He is enough for us. Here is there while we are waiting. He doesn’t leave us. I wonder if he makes us wait so we will draw close to Him? He is the true model of patience. He certainly has unendless patience for me!
How about you?
What are you waiting for?
What is requiring patience from you?
How are you dealing with it?
Do you have peace, hope, and faith while you wait?
