A Little More Patience

Is there anything more difficult than waiting? We are often encouraged to patiently wait for God's direction as well as for His rescue in the midst of our storms. We are reminded that God's timing is always perfect and always with a purpose, and that He is faithful to work in our life according to His perfect plan. But let's be honest, waiting is hard - even when "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:28), it's still hard!

The issue for me is not a lack of trust but a short supply of patience. When I gave my life to Jesus, He transformed me and gave me His Spirit to dwell within me and produce fruit: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience..." (Galatians 5:22-23). I know I already have some patience, but I need more; I want more - and I want it RIGHT NOW!! As you can see, I'm still growing and maturing.

Our family has been in a season of seeking God's direction for the last many years. I left my job with a computer company in 1999 through what I believe was the clear call of God. I was called into full time ministry but I have never completely understood the extent of this call. We are prepared to follow but clear direction has definitely been lacking. The result has been a continual seeking after God. Our eyes and thoughts are daily focused on Jesus waiting to see if the cloud will move as it did with the Israelites. And through the process we are learning the importance of patience.

James 5:7-8
"Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near."

Notice that the farmer is waiting for things completely out of His control. He has done the work of plowing the ground and planting the seed; now He must wait for God to produce the crop.

No matter what your circumstances are today, if you have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, you can rest assured that He is at your side directing your steps. Sometimes God's direction comes by way of outward events and changes we can see with our eyes, but often His direction comes in the form of inward changes and growth - such as more trust, more love...and more patience. Our "work" is to take each step He reveals and then wait for God to produce the crop as we love Him with all our heart.

I believe God often withholds clear direction in order to keep us at His feet asking and seeking. We would appreciate your continued prayers for our family and this ministry. We know His plans are far better than anything we could imagine, and His timing is absolutely perfect - but sometimes it's still hard. Please pray for the clarity of God's direction and, as God brings us to your mind and heart, pray for a little more patience.

Bless you Steve and family

I hear your cry

I was called form my career in 1985 and I am still on the journey the Lord lays out before me day by day, one step, one growing stage at a time.

It takes time for the Lord to equip us as He sees fit, I guess

I have learned so very much about Him along the way - so very much that I am privileged to share with others and in ways I never thought I'd have to endure. Praise God for His ways are not ours.

I learned a while back that, inactual fact, I have arrived at the very place He wants me, so long as my eyes are fixed on Him, full of trust in His plan for this world and my part in it and I have learned to content with that .

Bless you - feel free to e mail me direct if you wish to - I am due to be married this summer and my husband and I will be running a retreat in the mountains North Wales, UK - you would be very welcome!!

Gill
now based at www.ellel.org-Pierrepont