{You are in for a treat with a little ‘Tea with E’. Where my hubby, Eric, stops in to guest post and give us a little peek into the male perspective.}
I believe for those who love God and are called according to his purpose that good things await (Romans 8:28). No matter the situation or circumstance, we will experience victory. The challenge is what to do while waiting. Being patient during the in-between time. Whether in the midst of a storm or during the yes, but not yet seasons. If we recognize that love is patient, God is love, and we desire to be more like Christ, then we must pursue patience.
Patience is a word of activity, movement, and endurance. It should not permit us to do nothing while waiting; otherwise, we might not get what we want. Recently, Ayanna and I purchased new bikes for our twin daughters’ sixth birthday.
Upon receipt, the girls were ready to ride. Yet, I still needed to put on training wheels in the midst of a busy weekend. They accepted the delay, but after a couple days began to inquire about their bike status. Upon hearing them pray about riding their bikes, I had to prioritize putting on the training wheels and taking them bike riding.
My very own children demonstrated great patience, making me so proud of them, and they taught me some things about patience. (I was not intentionally trying to teach them a lesson, but I believed it worked for the good in developing their character and patience as well).
Over the course of about five days, my answer to my daughters was always a yes, but not yet so to speak. God often does this with us. The answer to our hopes, dreams, or prayers may be yes, but not right now.
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.
Psalms 37:7a (NKJV)
So what do we do while waiting for our yes to come to pass? We should be seeking the Lord wholeheartedly in prayer, reading the Word, praising him for who he is and for what he’s going to do according to his promises. Remembering that patience is active. We don’t sit or be idol while we wait. Trusting in God’s timing and that He’s always active and moving even when we can’t see it.
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings life eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)
In fact, God promises that our strength is renewed when we wait upon Him. We will be overcomers full of energy equipped to endure the journey we are on to realize our hopes, dreams, and prayers in accordance with His will.
Be encouraged and let us pursue patience!
I’d love to hear about your encounters and victories with patience.
Your post brought to mind a quote I had hung at work when my husband and I were hoping and waiting to add to our family. It said, “Faith in God includes faith in His timing.” It’s something I still think about when it feels like answers to my prayers aren’t coming as quickly as I wish they were.
Looooved this post. One of our family’s mottos is “The Lord blesses those that are in motion.” I truly believe that we learn the most while waiting on him.
We’re in the beginning stages of teaching patience with our toddler. It’s been a power struggle to say the least, but I know that I need to stay patient to set a good example for him.
How sweet that your girls were praying about it, yet patiently waiting!! Sounds like you have a very lovely family <3 God Bless and Happy Holidays!
This was wonderful! Patience is an area of my life I’m always trying to improve in. This was such a sweet post!
I’m not going to lie I sometimes think God’s timing takes too long lol! I am slowly learning patience and waiting on the Lord’s timing as I get older though 🙂
Lauren
I think that perhaps the greatest teacher of patience is our children! They have no patience, which gives us the opportunity to practice it more.
I have learned to not stress over things I can’t control. If I have to wait then I wait.
this is a good read and just like everything else in life, patience require a training and you are doing a good job with your little ones.
Thanks Denise! As we train them up in the way they should go, God continues to train us to be more like him. God bless you! E
I am such a work in progress every day with patience! I am constantly praying for the Holy Spirit to guide me and quiet my anxious heart! Wonderful post!!
Yes, waiting is such a time of spiritual renewal. God can use this time to build our faith in amazing ways. We forget that waiting is important and not just a time to get through quickly.
What a precious story! I often forget to practice patience- but this was such a great reminder that God can often help us with those struggles. Also, your daughters are adorable! Happy Holidays and God Bless!
“If we recognize that love is patient, God is love, and we desire to be more like Christ, then we must pursue patience”. LOVE that line! So true and something I am really bad at!
I once read “Patience is not the ability to wait but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” It stuck with me… It’s such an important skill to be able to wait and trust the Lord while waiting! A fruit of the Spirit. Thank you for this reminder.
Good reminders for all ages! And can build our relationship with the Lord with the experience! Thanks for sharing!
Patience is definitely a hard one to master. I’m glad you’re teaching them early on. Patience is the key to life. Especially getting the right thing at the right time.
you inspire me to teach my son to be more patient. It’s not one of strong qualities.. Thank you for sharing this!
I have never been a patient person but my husband is the most patient person I have ever known. So I am learning it through him. Thanks for posting this!
Absolutely love this! Waiting is sometimes the hardest part! But truly seeking to honor God and embrace the seasons of waiting will always bring us through the door and into the next level when the time is right. Great read!!!
THAT is the toughest thing ever. Waiting with peace. Amazing how our babies are the ones who teach us life’s most valuable lessons.
I am constantly struggling with patience! Thank you for sharing this piece with us.
Great post. Very insightful and a great reminder!
I hate waiting but have to learn to trust God’s timing is all for the best.
I wanted to read because the title sounded a lot like a blog post I just did called “Wait on the Lord: 3 Things to do While You Wait”. Your post was straight to the point and just the reminder that I needed to remember to wait. Thank you for the encouragement.
Thank you for sharing this blog post! Sometimes I have to remind myself of Isaiah 40:31 because God is patient with us and we need to be patient with Him. Endurance is the key! He who endures to the end will be rewarded greatly! God Bless
Being patient and teaching patience is definitely a challenge in this world of instant gratification! All we can do is our best to model and teach our kids to slow down and be patient.
Really wonderful insights, Eric. You and your wife have raised two beautiful girls! I love the mantra “Yes, but Not Yet”… that’s what Faith is all about! We need to trust in the Power and Glory of God to do what He knows will be best.
At the beginning of the year, I applied for an apartment complex to live at while in college because I could not afford to live on campus. To put it simply, it was not looking good. Every night I would pray that I would get to live in these apartments and go to the college of my choice. It took months and months of patience and praying until one day I got my answer. God blessed me with a miracle that I am still in shock over today. I am forever thankful for this blessing and keeping my trust in the Lord.
That is an awesome testimony Dara! Thank you for sharing. It sounds like a mix of patience, perseverance, and provision in your journey, God is so awesome! E
Your faith is so strong Ayanna and you pass it on so well to your kids. It is truly inspiring ! Wishing you wonderfully blessed days always.
What an amazing life lesson they are learning. Thank you for reminding me as well.
Good reminders for all of us …and goes well with a verse I’m claiming for this busy season: “a heart at peace gives life to the body.” Proverbs 14:30
Thanks for sharing Dianna! That’s awesome. E
Waiting can be really difficult sometimes but as you said it is about actively waiting by getting closer to God.
Thanks Latoya! Patience can certainly be challenging at times, but its also an opportunity to grow in Him as you noted. God bless you! E
teaching patience to kids is so hard!! we live in a microwave society!
I would agree Lyndsey! We have to keep pursuing patience to teach them and grow ourselves. E
Good word! I was encouraged.
“In fact, God promises that our strength is renewed when we wait upon Him.” Good stuff
Wow, what a post. It’s good that you are learning from your kids, finding lessons as you are parenting. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Melissa! Glad you enjoyed the post. God bless you! E
What a great reminder to be patient and that things will come in God’s time. I needed that reminder this week!
Patience is such an important skill to teach our children. It looks like your girls dealt with the bike delay very well!
“Patience is active. ” Wow, I needed to read that!!
I don’t know many six year olds that would be as patient, so that’s a true testament to you as a parent. Patience is something we all need to focus on more.
-Lauren
That is such a sweet story about your girls. Waiting 5 days to ride their new bikes is definitely patient! I’ve recognized many seasons of waiting in my life where I did not do it very patiently. Usually, this results in more waiting. Lol. Luckily God never gives up on us and continues to allow more opportunities to grow in these areas. I love that your husband contributes to your blog! What a wonderful thing for the two of you to share!
Patience is a beautiful skill to teach your children. It takes a conscious effort and you provide great tips for people of faith to follow