Intentional 21 Devotional: Day 17 - Nicole Lawhorn

Patience in the Waiting

One Biblical truth and fruit of the spirit that God uses to test us in order to bring us closer to Him is the virtue of patience. He calls His followers to this truth through various trials and opportunities that come up each year. When God calls us to wait on Him, to trust in Him, to pray to Him, to fast in reliance on Him, He is strengthening our relationship with Him. This is proof that He loves us and is shaping us into the likeness of Himself. 

Every season will bring different struggles, joys, heartaches, achievements, and disappointments. These twists and turns are usually unexpected which tend to mess up our plans and expectations. In these times it can seem that God does not hear us, does not pay attention to our needs, and does not give us what we think we “should” have. There are many moments when waiting feels frustrating and uncomfortable. It is easy to wonder if God is really listening. These struggles reveal to us that a part of human nature is the desire for control and when things do not go our way we may feel that God is trying to break us. But scripture tells us: 

“But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:24-25).

God knows we will struggle and worry. He knows that we will have desires and He does listen to our groaning. Rather than trying to break us, He calls us to have patience and responds in love because of our faith. We can see this in how he uses the trials in life to bring us closer to Him and in how he always provides. The greatest example of patience in God’s plan is seen in the life of Christ Himself. Jesus began as a baby and grew into a man in order to fulfill the Father’s plan. He lived the life on earth with much waiting and reliance on God’s timing. 

As you walk with the Lord and wait patiently through this 21-day fast, reflect on ways God is asking you to wait on Him. Patience is not about giving up or doing nothing - it is about giving your life fully to God and becoming more like Christ. God gives us trials to perfect us in our faith as He transforms our hearts. Every time we surrender our desires to God, we are deepening our relationship with Him. When waiting feels heavy remember: 

“…count it al joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4). 

When we go through trials and periods of waiting, we are not being punished by God but rather being drawn closer to Him. Having patience is evidence that our Heavenly Father is shaping us into His likeness and that He is at work in this world. 

Engagement (Ask God in Prayer):

1. God what are you doing in my heart that I cannot see?

2. God what are some areas in my life that you are wanting me to wait on you?

3. God where do I need to slow down in my life in order to reflect more on you?

Finish the sentence below:

“God, I will trust in your plan as you deepen my faith and will be patient in _______________.”