Waiting Demonstrates Strength and Dependence

Think about the times we are in right now. We have gotten used to having things at the tip of our fingers. In fact so much so, that it is becoming increasingly difficult to have patience with anything. I recall recently going to my son’s apartment at college and waiting in line to input the code to enter the gates. The cars in front of me went, one by one through the gate as it was about to close. One vehicle went the opposite direction once the gate had completely closed so as to not have to wait on putting the code. They took their chances with entering through the exit so they did not have to wait the extra 30 seconds it would have taken to enter properly.

“¹⁴Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” – Psalm 27:14 (ESV)

I know, how does not waiting on the gate align to waiting on the Lord? Well, waiting is a demonstration of dependence on right. And what more would be right than God.

I will admit that when I am in a situation where waiting does not make sense, I am impatient and frustrate easily (ex.; traffic getting out of a parking lot, drive through delays, only one register open on a Saturday afternoon). But I have to look at the delay as a dependence on God. There is a reason he has placed me in that situation. The Lord has a plan, and this “delay” is likely right in line with that plan (See below the demonstration of Jesus’ delay).

“⁶So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.” – John 11:6 (ESV)

Jesus’ good friend Lazarus was ill and likely dying, and Jesus delayed. He did not get delayed, he “stayed two days longer” intentionally.

Our role is to be demonstrate dependence in Him and the plan He has in store. I have to stand strong and wait. I must trust and use that trust to be strong and courageous in the face of adversity, even when that adversity is simply a 5 minute wait. My dependence on God shows the strength of character to act as Jesus in situations that arrive.

Are you finding yourself in places where you have to wait? What is your attitude toward the delay? Are you able to demonstrate strength and dependence on the Lord?