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“Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” Ecclesiastes 7:8 (ESV)

Ever find yourself getting lost or better yet overwhelmed in the urgent trap? If we don’t respond fast enough on our phone or with an email, someone will instant message us and that flashing light on our computer won’t go away until we respond. If someone needs anything – it’s urgent.

Get the picture – so what happens when our urgent mentality collides with slow? I don’t know about you, but when I have to wait for anything my patience slides right out the door. I’m so used to people pushing my urgent that I can easily perceive others should do the same for me. Waiting rarely is an option in our get to the next thing mode.

Flip back through the pages of scripture and we will find that Jesus did not allow others’ urgent to dictate His agenda. In fact, some who loved Him the most thought He was late in responding to their miracle. Those who walked the closest to Him often thought He should stay put, heal more and not retreat.

Love the patience of Jesus because He sought not the ease of people’s situation but the character development of those involved. Love the patience of Jesus when He sought the greater glory at the best time rather than ease the discomfort or sorrow of the immediate. Love the patience Jesus demonstrated to us as an example of how we are to respond in His image. Seeking God’s timing, accepting God’s sovereignty and yes, waiting for the greater glory to be revealed.

So, what can we do to embrace patience? Maybe it’s a coworker pushing all our buttons – how about relying on God’s Spirit to infuse us with a patient response? Maybe it’s slowing down our response rather than spewing out random thoughts. Maybe it’s simply refusing to let the sense of everyone’s urgency reflect anxiousness in our spirit. Resting close to the heart of God and clinging to His words rather than worrying, fearing, and attempting to meet everyone’s demands.

When urgent collides with slow, we can guarantee God’s up to something miraculous that only He can do!

“Father, transform my urgent moments into opportunities to trust You completely – waiting on Your timing and not my own.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life