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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.

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.

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 … "

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