I remember going to the amusement park and wanting to ride that big new ride that just opened. I make my way over to the area and lo and behold there is a line that based on the times laid out, three hours long. I now have a decision to make; get in line and wait, or take on something else in the park?
Whereas this might seem like a silly example of waiting or being patient, I believe there is some validity to it. You see, we are in similar situations each day. We can sit and wait on something or come back to it when it may be more convenient and others have had an opportunity to experience.
“9The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)
Being patient and waiting are similar, but different at the same time. We can “wait” on something without being productive. Sitting, doing very little as time slips away from us. Or we can continue with our activities as we are patient for things to fall into place.
One might think of this as “multi-tasking”, but that is not the case. Being patient is waiting on the right time for something that we know is going to happen. Waiting on its own is less productive. Waiting places our attention on the one thing and therefore any other items are neglected as we “sit and wait” for the one thing. When “multi-tasking” your attention is spread over many things and therefore there is a lack of attention to any one thing. Being patient allows for our full attention to be placed on the one thing while the other item(s) are allowed to continue until the time is right for our attention to be there.
God is patient with us as we go through this world. He knows the time of His return and therefore He is able to turn His attention to our other needs and give our peers the opportunity to take advantage of the gift of salvation He has provided.
What are you waiting for? Does that require your full attention or could you possibly turn your attention elsewhere? What are your thoughts related to being patient and waiting?
Trevor's Thoughts 