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With so many modern conveniences it's a wonder any of us have any patience. Being able to microwave a frozen meal in five minutes, get to the mall in fifteen, and watch someone solve all their problems in a half-hour sitcom doesn't really help us develop the ability to wait or endure. Rather, it encourages us to demand what we want when we want it. But God desires something different for us.

Waiting on God
I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. (Lamentations 3:24-25)

When I turned 16, I wanted a car so badly. I just knew that would make me completely happy. I didn't have any money saved, so I looked to my parents for help. And when they couldn't give me what I wanted, I asked God. I knew he could work things out if he wanted to. But he didn't—at least not in the way I hoped.

"It's not fair," I complained. "All my friends have cars. Why can't I?"

Looking back, I see I was so focused on what I thought I needed that I was often unable to enjoy all the good things God had given me. I never stopped to think that God was in control of the situation and he knew what was best for me. And I certainly never considered that he might have some lessons to teach me, like how to be content.

It's not easy to wait on God. When we're waiting for him to work in the heart of an unsaved friend or heal the terminal illness of a close family member, we may begin to wonder if he's even listening to our cries for help. But even when it doesn't feel like it, God is "good to those whose hope is in him." He will always do what is best for us, so we can trust him with every situation, whether it be waiting for a boyfriend or for a college acceptance letter. And he actually has a purpose in forcing us to wait. God wants to bring us to a point of surrender, a place where we're willing to say, "No matter what happens, I trust you." He wants to be, as the verse says, our "portion" so that in any situation we can say, "God, you are all I need."

1. Think of a time when you've had to wait for something. What made it difficult? Try to name two good things that came out of waiting.
2. Next time you have to wait for something, look for ways to make the most of it. For example, if you're waiting in a long line at a store, use the time to pray for those requests you never seem to get around to.
3. Ask God to show you how to be content in the midst of waiting.

Waiting on Others
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (James 1:19)

Jessica looked down at her watch and sighed. She'd been waiting for Katie for almost 30 minutes. The two girls had planned to get together to work on their group history project. I told her I had a lot to do tonight, Jessica recalled. I can't believe she's so late. Fifteen more minutes passed and Jessica's irritation grew with each second. By the time Katie showed up, Jessica was ready to explode.

"I'm sorry I'm so late, Jessica," Katie apologized. "I … "

"I told you I had stuff I had to do later," Jessica interrupted. "Now I'm never going to get everything done!"

Jessica normally wouldn't talk to her friend so harshly. But she'd had about all she could stand. It seemed like Katie was always late.

"My parents got in this huge fight," Katie explained as the tears began to flow. "And my dad said he was leaving. I just didn't feel like I could leave my mom by herself. So I waited until my sister got home."

Jessica felt horrible. If only she had taken James' advice in the Scripture passage above. He had good reason for telling us to be "slow to speak." Speaking can get in the way of listening, and that's of-ten what we need to do before we jump to conclusions. Before speaking, Jessica should have also reminded herself of her own faults. When we come face to face with our many imperfections, we see how little room we have to criticize others.

1. What are some things other people do that can cause you to lose your temper? Make a list of ways you can "slow down" your anger in these situations.
2. Read the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:21-35). How has God been patient with you? How can that change the way you view others?
3. Ask God to help you see your own sin so you can be patient with others.

Waiting for the Future
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed . …Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons … (Romans 8:18-19)

For many, becoming a Christian is often followed by feelings of great excitement. They may experience lots of love and encouragement from other believers and feel like they're already tasting heaven. But eventually, reality sets in. When it's time to choose between what's comfortable and what will cause them to stick out from the crowd, they begin to see that living the Christian life is far from easy. They may even begin to question whether it's worth it.

I remember when a good friend was struggling with this question. She said she was tired of always doing the right thing. She felt like she was missing out on a lot of fun she saw other people having. So she gave up trying to live for God. I think it was fun for her at first—going to the parties and finally feeling like a part of the group. But even that wasn't enough to settle the restlessness that caused her discontentment in the first place. Her problem was that she'd begun to view the Christian life as a set of rules rather than a satisfying relationship.

Hard times will come, times that make us question our devotion to Christ. When that happens, one of the best things we can do is remind ourselves of the future. God's not going to let us struggle forever. And as these verses promise, what he has in store for us will be well worth the wait. It will also be worth the sacrifice of things that might seem more appealing at the moment.

1. Recall a time when you wanted to give up on something but didn't. What kept you going?
2. Read Hebrews 12:1-3. What does it mean to "fix your eyes on Jesus"? Make a list of things that take your eyes away from Jesus. How can you learn to avoid them?
3. Ask God to help you focus on his promise for the future—eternity in heaven, free from any struggles—so that you can persevere today.

Read more from 'Devotionals'

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