| Bruce Jameson was one course short of graduating from university. He wanted to finish it, but as he said, “life happened.” He got married, found a job, and started a family. There was no time to go back to school. Then, at the age of 93, he was awarded his Bachelor of Engineering degree. And that one course, German 2…he didn’t have to take after all. Bruce had a dream, but he had to wait for it. Life happened and it was all he could do to keep up with everything else. It wasn’t until his grandson investigated the matter that the university agreed to help. Bruce waited 70 years to walk across that stage. Most people today can’t wait while their phone charges. Seriously, we are a very impatient generation. God, however, still uses delays to shape and build us: Waiting reveals what is truly in your heart. People without the right heart desires won’t wait around long enough to make a commitment to something serious. Good things are worth the wait, and we clarify our values as we wait. Waiting helps to build patience in your life. This doesn’t seem to come naturally to anyone. I haven’t met anyone who likes waiting. Yet, as we learn to be patient with small things, we develop muscles to wait for bigger things. If we believe God for great things, he is going to test us to see whether or not we can handle it. In Scripture, we see that his servants had to learn to develop patience. His methods haven’t changed. Waiting increases your dependence upon God. This is the lesson that the saints in the Bible learned. God will always honor his promises, but his timing tested many people. It was during these difficult times of waiting that people drew closer to God and discovered what real dependence on him means. Our ultimate need is to be fully reliant on God. This waiting period before Christmas is called Advent. It is a good time to practice our waiting and reflect on our need for the Lord. James writes, “You also must be patient. Keep your hopes high, for the day of the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:8) So whatever you are waiting for today, don’t be discouraged. It just means that when it comes to pass, you will have developed a great relationship with God. |