I want instant answers to my prayers.
Why can’t my prayers be like pop-tarts? Unwrap ‘em, pop ‘em in the toaster, and zingo, answers. I don’t want to have to have patience. In fact, I never pray for patience, because I know that the only way for God to build patience into me is to place me in a situation where I actually need patience. I’d like a large order of patience, and a side of fries. Now. And super-size it while you’re at it.
But it’s through faith and patience we inherit God’s promises (HEB 6.12).
It’s by fighting to cling to God’s promises when we can’t see anything that resembles an answer for weeks, months, or years that we gain those promises.
Like a gardener who plants a seed, and every day in faith goes to his garden and waters the ground, though he sees nothing happening on the surface. Yet he is convinced that something’s going on under ground. If he’s persistent and doesn’t give up, eventually he’ll see the plant sprout and bear fruit.
We must learn from Elijah not to give up.
In 1 Kings 18, he and his servant climb Mount Carmel where Elijah prays fervently for rain. Then he calls his servant. “Go up and look toward the sea. Tell me what you see.”
The servant walks to the edge of the cliff, scans the horizon.
Elijah: “Anything?”
Servant: “Blue skies, smiling at me. Nothing but blue skies do I see.”
Elijah prays some more. “Go look again. Anything?”
Servant: “Nope. Nada. Not even a cloud.”
Six times Elijah prays, and six times, no change. He tells his servant a seventh time to go look again. Can you imagine the servant by now? “Right boss, whatever you say.”
Just as he’s about to return with another report of zippo, wait, what’s that tiny puff of white on the horizon? Can it be…a cloud? Before long the skies grow black with rain and Elijah’s servant is scrambling for his umbrella.
Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep asking, seeking, knocking. Keep watching for the answer. One of these days you’ll see that tiny cloud forming, then get ready to run for cover.
photo by poolie
Ur posts are always timely… Patience is something I think I have in only milligrams:( And Yet God is so patient with me.Sometimes i do get discouraged, whether m prayin for the salvation of my friends, marriage or even a job. M too freakin scared to ask God to make me patient, coz I know that the only way i will learn it, is goin through situations that will teach me patience.
Thank you for ur posts which are such an encouragement
Hi Caroline,
Thanks for your honest, humble comments. I too don’t like to have to be patient, but know that patience is one of the fruits of the Spirit that God wants to produce in me. Actually, sometimes I do ask the Lord to give me patience – I was kind of half-kidding in my post – because I really need patience. And God is so good to build it into me. I know he will keep working in your life too, Caroline. He will answer your prayers for his glory, and his timing will be wonderful in your life. Thanks for persevering for him and by his power! You are bringing glory to him.
Thank you so much..Yes patience is one of the fruits of the Spirit. The Lord is teaching me to be patient every single day
And he will finish his great work in you, Caroline!
Thanks for pointing me back to a Father who is always loving, always kind, and always faithful.
Hi Elaine,
Thanks so much for your encouragement. Amen – we need to keep our eyes fixed on our loving, faithful Father.
“I never pray for patience, because I know that the only way for God to build patience into me is to place me in a situation where I actually need patience.”
I’ve heard people say, “don’t pray for patience, because then God will make you learn it the hard way!”
This really treats God as an ogre. Mark is right, you CAN ask God for patience, expecting that the lesson WILL be difficult, but He knows precisely how to answer that prayer without giving us too much. See 1 Corinthians 10:13.
Some of the most difficult times in my life came after I prayed, “Lord, change me to be more like Christ, no matter what the cost.” I’d read Job, I know that “no matter what the cost” can be very, very costly.
But Christlikeness is precious. Very, very precious. You don’t get precious treasures cheaply.
Thanks Mark.
Hi Chris,
Thanks for your excellent comments! Actually, you are right, we should ask for patience, because it is a fruit of the Spirit and glorifies Christ when we become more like him, who is patient. I was kind of half kidding, as I mentioned to Caroline – I was trying to express my “natural” aversion to having to wait. I do ask Jesus to make me like him, knowing that one of the ways he will make me like him is through trials. Thank you for helping me clarify this! I really appreciate your last comment – “You don’t get treasures cheaply” – brilliant!
“I was kind of half kidding”
Oh, haha, of course you were, wasn’t implying otherwise. You were spot-on in the original post
Sorry if I implied differently.
Hey Chris,
Your comments were outstanding. I didn’t take them in any way as negative. I appreciate you.
“In fact, I never pray for patience, because I know that the only way for God to build patience into me is to place me in a situation where I actually need patience. I’d like a large order of patience, and a side of fries. Now. And super-size it while you’re at it.”
I caught the kidding part. I think that paragraph sums it up really well. I know I – like you – NEVER pray for patience. It’s the first lesson of being in the ministry. :>)
Why? Because it’s the one prayer God will always grant. Now that makes me think:
Patience is always God’s will.
Wow, it’s not always mine. Now there’s an opportunity for growth in the Lord.
Marshall Jones Jr.
Hey Marshall,
I agree – Patience is the first lesson of being in the ministry – how true! Great insight. Yep, patience is always God’s will – I think I’ll need to be growing in patience by God’s grace for the rest of my life. Thanks for your comments.
This discussion has prompted me to pray for patience
Yeah!
Prayed, and God delivered. Wife got sick and I had to play Mr. Mom to two toddlers and a baby while trying to cram for an exam. Didn’t do well in the patience department, but knowing it was God answering this prayer helped bring quick repentance and growth. Passed the exam.
I thank you Lord, you know precisely how to answer that prayer. You are so good to me. So good. Such a good Dad.
Life is hectic and I haven’t kept up with your blog very well lately, but I’m so glad I read this one today. I am going to print it to send to my son, Taylor. He went to Parris Island, SC on October 12 to fulfill his dream of becoming a U. S. Marine. He was scheduled to graduate on January 8, but was taken out of training on November 1 when he was hospitalized for 9 days with double pneumonia. He has been in a holding platoon since November 10 trying to get healthy and strong enough to return to training. As of last Tuesday, he has pneumonia again/still. He knows God wants him where he is for some reason, but he is a little discouraged. Patience has never been one of his strongest virtues, but I pray that he is learning it while waiting to re-enter training.
Prayers and letters of encouragement would be very much appreciated:
RCT Schmitt, Taylor W.
Spt Bn STC EHP
P. O. Box 15250
Parris Island, SC 29905-5250
Hi Robin,
I hope the post encourages your son. I feel bad for him – this must be so hard for him. I’ll pray for him, and try to shoot him a note sometime. Thanks for letting me know.
Thanks, Mark. He was pretty discouraged in the letter we got yesterday, but he’s probably feeling a little better by now.
I prayed for him this morning, Robin. I pray the Lord will continue to encourage him and strengthen him.
Once again, just what I needed to read. Thank you!
Thanks Yeller!