I Want It Now!

Have you ever prayed for something and it just seemed to take too long? I got myself caught up in that feeling recently, even though I knew better. Happens to the best of us. Our human nature is very demanding and it’s patience wears thin. It wants what it wants when it wants it! We have to use temperance and self-control, and a good dose of the Holy Spirit, to keep our human “I want it now!” desire in check.

Waiting for what we want, be it a response or a change in our lives, particularly during times of difficulty is hard. We don’t see nor do we have the patience for personal growth and God’s plan in the midst of it. We lose sight of what God sees—things that need to be fixed or removed in our hearts in the middle of the mess. Then we take things into our own hands.

We know the story of Abraham and Sarah who wanted a child so badly. God told them they would have a son, but He took too long for them. So they came up with their own plan to get a son faster. They used Sarah’s servant. But what a mess they made. There was bitterness, jealousy, nagging, heartaches and stress. And, because they interfered with God’s plan, they ended up waiting longer. (Genesis 16)

Their choice to do things their way and not wait, rippled throughout the remainder of their lives and even impacted their children and their legacy. Rarely do our choices only affect us. They are like the ripples we see in a stream when we toss a rock into it. The waves splash on those around us. We need to trust that God will answer our prayers. He knows the desires of our hearts; but He also knows what lies down the road—the things we cannot see.

Abraham and Sarah learned the hard way that God’s way is always the best. His timing is always right. His plan always works. He will provide better than what we ask for if we wait and follow His plan.

Is there something you’ve been praying for but it just seems so far away? Are you tempted to take matters into your own hands and make it happen? Stop! See the wisdom in how Daniel approached the Lord to plead for Him not to release His wrath on Jerusalem. He pleaded in prayer and petition, in fasting, confessing how awesome God is. He also confessed their sins and asked for forgiveness and mercy.

David didn’t know when God would answer, but he didn’t try to take matters into his own hands. While praying, the angel Gabriel came and told him that God heard him as soon as he began to pray. How encouraging! Even though you don’t see the answer yet, God hears you as soon as you begin to pray. So trust in His process and not in your own. He knows what you need.

“Now, our God, hear the prayers and the petitions of Your servant. For Your sake, Lord, look with favor on Your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, our God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of Your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For Your sake, my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people bear Your Name.” Daniel 9:18-19

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7

Prayer

Lord,

Your Word says that love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; it is not arrogant. You hear my prayers and You know my thoughts. There is no reason for me to be anxious about anything because You are my Shepherd; watching over me and leading me. Give me strength to be patient and wait on You; strength to sit still and know that You are God. I lay my pride down, along with any jealousy and arrogance that I may be tempted with to make things happen on my own. I trust You and will wait for You. I will praise and rejoice in You, because with You all things are possible. Amen!

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

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