“KNOCK, KNOCK.’’

“Who’s there?”

“IMPATIENT CHICKEN.”

“Impati,” “CLUCK!”

That is how much patience I have. Yes, it is true.  If I am behind you at a traffic light, it turns green, and you don’t move instantly, don’t be surprised when you hear a quick “honk” (not a lay-on-the-horn honk for I do that only if I have to).  I have to get psyched if I am going to get my nails done because I have to sit and wait.

The above paragraph was taken from my first book ten years ago, and unfortunately, I don’t think my patience meter has increased. But as I study the book of Acts, I am discovering a new perspective on what it is like to be in God’s “waiting room.”

In Acts Chapter 1, After spending 40 days with the disciples, Jesus gives them their first command since He has resurrected from the dead, is in verse 4:

“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.”

Wait? Why wait?  Verse 5:

“For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

God was setting them up for success!

Waiting brings great opportunity. Waiting develops us as followers of Christ. Waiting allows us to:

-Get prepared

-Reevaluate our priorities

-Strengthen our dependence on God.

Think about it. Many of life’s most important events require us to wait—the birth of a child, getting married, education, profession, etc.

For me, it is still difficult to wait. I am a doer, and I have the Sarah and Moses mentality of “let me help God out with His plans.” What I remind myself is to keep in mind that it may be God’s Will about a decision but is it God’s timing? So, I plan to do what the disciples did, including Mary, the mother of Jesus, and others, is in verse 14, they all joined together constantly in prayer.  

Conclusion:  A time of waiting is always an invitation to pray!

Lord, forgive my lack of patience in doing things your way and in your time. Lord, thank you for your promises and grant me an impulse to immediately go to you in prayer before I get up and go. Allow me great insight as I study and prepare for your next steps in my life.  Thank you for the power and gift of the Holy Spirit.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.