Publisher’s LETTER
W
Patience. Few claim to have it, many wish for more of it, and most long to see more of it displayed in our highly impatient world. Much has changed over the last few years. Most of that change is driven by technological advances, which makes “the world’s information” available instantly. The other day I was frustrated that my computer took a few extra seconds to turn on. Did you get that? A few extra seconds? This is an important time to realize that Christians are to be in the world, but not of the world. We cannot fall into the vicious trap of daily frustration and impatience. It’s just not God’s way. While there is a sense of urgency to reach the lost, there is ample evidence in the Bible that He speaks to His people through His Word and in response to prayer. Nurturing intimacy in that vital relationship is critical to hearing His voice among the massive noise of the world. You can’t rush that. When God spoke to many of our Biblical heroes, it took a long time until His word was fulfilled. For Noah, it took 100 years. For Abraham, 25, for Joseph, 13, for Moses, 40 years in the desert, for David, 13 years before he was crowned king. Mind you, they didn’t sit around twiddling their thumbs waiting on God to act. While none of these men were perfect, they were active. They kept about the business of God. They led productive lives and were accomplished people. My dad was a brilliant man. His creativity was off the charts. There is no doubt God could have used his many talents for great things. Not only that, but my father was sure of the call on His life. He spoke boldly of his purpose and seemed an unstoppable man on a God-led mission. He passed away years ago, but looking back to learn from his life, it is evident “waiting upon the Lord” was not part of his personal agenda. Unfortunately, he wanted to leap past life lessons. He, like all of us, had much to learn in order to fulfill His calling. However, his impatience led him to seek ungodly wisdom and make unwise decisions — straying far from the instruction of the Bible. While many tried to reach my dad, he wouldn’t listen. Unfortunately, our family suffered greatly.
Y
We can’t ask God to guide our steps and then question the steps. We must surrender our lives to a loving God who has a plan for each of us. Did you know we are called to live stress-free lives? Not pain and trouble-free, but stress-free. When Paul says in Philippians to “be anxious for nothing” he meant it. He would not have given such clear instruction if, through Christ, we were unable to achieve it. The only “quick fix” to patience is from Philippians 4:6, 7 (NKJV): “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” For those of us who are impatient, the part of that verse that can change our lives completely is “with thanksgiving.” Gratitude is the door to peace. Reading the Bible regularly is also an excellent reminder that God moves when God moves. We are to submit our agenda daily. His ways are higher than our ways, but He is faithful to work HIS plan out in our lives. Patience? If you have Jesus, you have patience. Our job is to quit leading and be led.
Beth Townsend Baton Rouge Christian Life Magazine l OCTOBER 2017
5