While travelling recently I looked out the window on my flight and the view was breath taking. I started to think about the times I prayed to fly to different places when I didn’t even have transportation to get me to and from work. God answered that prayer and now I’m struggling with being grateful for God answering my prayers. I have found myself being agitated with flying because I long to be at home with my family and not in airport security checks, delays, and yes, I despise waiting.
On this particular trip I was irritable about how many times the plane was delayed. I was tired and just wanted to get home to my family and my bed. In my mind I felt as if the airport was holding me hostage and did not have a valid enough reason to do so. So, I made the decision that I would personally walk up to the counter and demand a better reason if I heard one more unexpected delay over the intercom.
Well another delay was announced and as I prepared to stand and complain something stopped me. I looked over at the counter at the line of passengers who were complaining and said to myself I don’t have the patience to stand in that line. So, I went over to look out the window and I saw our plane. I also realized it was a maintenance crew that was heading towards the plane. That is when I started to pray. “God do you want me to get on this planet?” “Is this some sign for me to wait, get a hotel, and come back tomorrow?” “Okay God I need you to let me know what going on now.”
Yes I am the queen of trying to use my lack of patience as a sign from God to do something else.
After waiting for what seemed like forever and a day, we boarded the plane and our pilot explained that there was a maintenance issue that needed to be addressed, and therefore we were delayed. He continued to explain how our safety was his number one priority and because of our patience he would provide us with a safe flight to our destination.
A woman across the aisle from me acted as if she didn’t hear anything the pilot said and continued to complain. I was shocked at how upset she was regarding someone else making her a little uncomfortable for her safety. Especially when she told us all the reason she was so impatient was related to her pets not getting to the groomer before they closed that day. I shook my head thinking about how negative and ungrateful she was. The pilot was worried about her life and she was upset because her pets would not get groomed that day. Then I realized I was looking at myself when I am impatient regarding Gods purpose for me in HIS will.
There are times that I am so focused on what I’m doing or trying to create that honors God that I forget to look back and thank God for the delays, inconveniences, unexpected journeys, and answered prayers that bring me in alignment with HIS will not my own. I even get angry much like the passenger across the aisle because it’s not when, where, how, why, or what I want it to be. I also tend to say thank you God after a prayer is answered but find something regarding that prayer that I can complain about. For example I asked to fly but complained about the wait. The same wait that was ensuring my safe departure and landing. My lack of patience makes me focus on progressing forward while missing the moments God has for me in my current season.
When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me. Hosea 13:6
It’s funny how life teaches you lessons even when you are not trying to learn any.
It’s funny how life teaches you lessons even when you are not trying to learn any.
This week while reading scripture I thought about how uncomfortable Joseph’s life was after his brothers turned against him and sold him to Egypt. Yet what was done to him forged a great leader with the understanding of patience, integrity, gratefulness, and obedience. Joseph has an amazing testimony for us all.
My favorite part of his testimony is when Joseph explains why he went through what he went through to his brothers.
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me”. When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. Genesis 45:4-8
Now I want to clarify that Joseph did not fail to acknowledge that his brothers had sinned and were responsible for their wrong doing, but he saw that God’s plans for good had taken their sin into account and used it. Joseph looked back at his journey and testified to his brothers the blessing of where God placed him that day. If Joseph lacked patience I believe his testimony would have looked a lot different.
I encourage you if you are fighting with life circumstances look at what God has done for you, acknowledge it, do not complain, do not try to rush the outcome, and testify to others. Speak words of encouragement and hope even when you feel as if your imprisoned with no way of getting out. Think of Joseph and his journey when you feel as if there is no way have faith that God will turn your situation around. Lastly when your impatient as I was at the airport take a step back and ask this question.
“Would I rather get to the correct destination safely or hurry up and take a gamble with my life?”
Blessings,
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