I can still remember my first job, a cashier at a grocery store, like it was yesterday. I was fresh out of high school and eager to earn some spending money in preparation for college. I met a lot of wonderful people and learned so many life lessons during that season in my life but the one that I want to focus on for this post is my teenage wake up call of how impatient people can be. Being on the other side of the register caused me to be, then and still to this day, very conscious of the kind of customer I am. Don’t get me wrong, I know that negative behavior can show up on either side of the register but it was an eye opener for me who had never worked in any type of retail setting. Waiting when there is no other option can sometimes bring the worst out of even some of the best people. From fast food to internet service, we are inundated with the idea of not having to wait. This poses the question, how should we wait as believers of Christ Jesus?
In our spiritual walk, Isaiah 40:31 provides encouragement about the rewards of waiting upon the Lord. God is always efficient and always “on time” but His time is not our time. And while we are waiting, God is looking to see how we wait. Here are some scriptures to read and meditate upon to help stay encouraged and on task when you have to wait.
Wait Believing
“And in all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matthew 21:22 KJV. It is of the utmost importance to believe what you are asking and praying for. If your belief is weak remember that ”…..faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 KJV Make it a priority to hear teaching and preaching from God’s word.
Wait with Patience
“But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.” Romans 8:25 KJV
“Do all things without murmurings and disputings: Philippians 2:14 KJV
Even when things are not going the way we want them to go, we have to be intentional about how we speak. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue:…”Proverbs 18:21KJV
Think of complaining as the opposite of waiting patiently.
Wait while working
”Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” James 2:17 KJV
Be sure that you are doing your part while you wait. For example, if you are hoping for a different or better job you should be doing the following: actively looking for another job, talking to people in advance that you want to use for job references, keeping your resume up-to-date, etc.
Wait with an attitude of thankfulness
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
I Thessalonians 5:18 KJV. Practice thankfulness by always seeing the glass half full rather than half empty. Remind yourself daily of all that you have to be thankful for.