Patience and God’s Timing

By Kyla Walker

If I know God like I think I know Him (because He is my friend), He loves to wait until things are seemingly impossible and then he does something magnificent.  He gets more glory that way and our faith is strengthened during the waiting period.  There are countless stories in the Bible that tell of God’s loving care and guidance.  For example, when God led Moses and the Israelites out of Egypt, keeping them safe, supplying their needs for 40 years in the dessert.  Many times the Israelites became distraught and God would encourage them by his wondrous miracles.  He parted the Red Sea for them to escape Egypt and Pharoh’s evil reign.  Exodus 14   He fed them with manna and quail falling down from heaven.  Exodus 16   He followed them in a cloud during the day and in a pillar of fire at night!!!  Exodus 13:21  So many times He came to their rescue, even though they doubted Him.  After he showed them His faithfulness, their faith became stronger.  Another example is when Jesus was on a boat with His disciples and mighty storm came upon them.  Matthew 8:24-27  The disciples were fearful and had little faith, thinking they were going to sink.  Jesus calmed the wind and the waves right before the boat was going to be overtaken and as a result, the disciples’ faith became stronger.

In James 1:2-4 it says “Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish it’s work so that you will be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”   Having patience and trusting in God, is going to strengthen us when those trials come.  And they will come.  God never promises they won’t.  In fact, He warns us many times to be strong and persevere through troubling times.  Patience is trusting God, knowing that He loves you, that He is good and that He is in control of everything.   Romans 8:28  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. ”

In every trial there is temptation not to trust God.  But God wants to develop endurance and persistance in us to hang on to Him no matter what comes!