It’s so important to be patient with God, but I know personally that I’m terrible at this! God’s already sorted out so much in my life, so I have no doubt he will sort me out in his time, yet I often get frustrated and don’t talk to him about things that are troubling me.
I’m currently looking for a job having recently graduated. The rejection from interviews and applications can be really soul destroying, but I’m trying to remind myself with every rejection that it just wasn’t in God’s plan for me, and more importantly that he has something much better in store for me.
Sometimes I fall into a self-wallowing hole and leave God out, when I should be relying on him. From previous experience I know that God uses us when we are at our most vulnerable, so communicating with him is vital, and we shouldn’t just take for granted that he will look after us constantly. We’re lucky enough that we can be confident and content that God has a plan for us; “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
God just loves it when we take the time to actually talk to him about how we feel, and question him – he loves conversation! We need to have patience in God, and in return he will reward us. I’ve loved hearing stories from my Christian friends, where they’ve been feeling like God has neglected them, but then seeing exactly what he was doing for their future. “God acts on behalf of the one who waits for him” (Isaiah 64:4).
I recently read a quote from Nicky Gumbel , where he states; ‘Joseph waited 13 years, Abraham waited 25 years, Moses waited 40 years, Jesus waited 30 years. If God makes you wait, you are in good company.’ God will never leave us or forsake us! Just because he might not be doing something obvious in your situation at the moment, or answering your prayers right away, doesn’t mean he’s not figuring out something beautiful and wonderful for you in the future. I’d really challenge you to talk to God about every little thing, and this way you’re eyes will be opened to all the little things he does for us frequently, as well as over time.
By Lois Christine Forster