It would be interesting don’t think if we could take a survey about impatience? If I could I would ask questions like:
- Have you ever been impatient?
- What caused you to become impatient?
- What type of behavior did you exhibit when you were impatient?
- Did you ever do something stupid when you were impatient?
- What were the consequences of your impatience?
Questions like those. Nothing deep. Some simple. Some cutting and probing. I have been on the “stupid” end of impatience more than I care to admit. Failing to wait led me to do something way too quickly that if I had waited just a little longer would have could have turned out a whole lot better. My last post was a perfect example of waiting and yet I can turn around and do something totally dumb the next time. Go figure. Think I’d learn but noooooo! I bet (and I am not a betting man) I am not alone by a long shot.
One of the biggest examples of not waiting is Abram & Sarai (Abraham & Sarah) in Genesis 16. God had promised him a child (son) and that his seed would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. But both Abram and Sarai got impatient and tried to take matters into their own hands. And man, what a mess it has created! How many ways can you say Jew vs. Arab? How many ways can you says Jew vs. Arab= constant conflict? And so we have the fruit of impatience (and yes, disobedience) lasting down through the years. The Bible says, “Do not be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” [Gal.6:7] Somewhere near 4000 years later we still have the fruit of that illegitimate tryst bearing ugly fruit.
So, tell me. Have you found impatience to be a problem for you? Have you paid a price for it yet? What is your plan now to not get impatient again and learn to wait? I would like to hear from you. BTW: I am preaching on The Sad Result of Impatience this week. I would appreciate your prayers.
I am so impatient at times. I always try to be patient but sometimes impatience gets the best of me and sometimes patience gets the best. My plan has been to grin and bear it praying for strength.
Ohhh yeah, at one time impatience was my middle name and of course the result was usually me doing something stupid….my plan has been letting go of things and giving them to God, my patience has increased, my stress has decreased and life is more peaceful & at times, interesting!
Hope to see you soon. Have a great day Bill!
Jim: Join the “Impatient Club.” maybe we should get an IP address. I know that is bad. 🙂 It does appear that pastors may be some of the most impatient people around though. Will pray along with you for patience. That is dangerous though! Thanks for stopping by.
Hey Jan! Glad your plans have changed! And it is so much better for us when we do give things to God. Looking forward to seeing you & Michael soon.