Week 2 | Day 5 | Waiting on God: Overcoming Impatience Through Trust and Surrender

Command:

Do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. Matthew 5:39 (NIV)

Read:

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

Reflect:

In our busy lives, it's easy to fall into the trap of impatience. However, impatience can lead to sin and disobedience to God's will. 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us that God's timing is not our own, and we should exercise patience and trust in him as we wait for his promises to be fulfilled.

Impatience can cause us to make hasty decisions that are not in line with God’s will. It can also lead to frustration and doubt in God’s faithfulness, causing disobedience. When we feel we have been wronged by others, this can make us want to react in kind. God wants us to exercise patience in these moments. If we are slow to react, we can trust that God has a plan, even for those that have wronged us. 

As we wait for his promises to be fulfilled, we should pray for guidance and strength. We should examine our hearts and repent of any impatience that may be hindering our relationship with God. By surrendering our will to his divine plan, we can wait patiently and trust that his timing is perfect. In doing so, we can overcome the sin of impatience and grow in our faith.

React:

How has impatience affected your relationship with God and others in the past? What steps can you take to practice patience and trust in God's timing in your current situation?

Pray:

Dear God, help us to exercise patience and trust in your perfect timing. Forgive us for the times we've been impatient and made hasty decisions that led to disobedience. Give us strength and guidance as we wait for your promises to be fulfilled. Help us to surrender our will to your divine plan and grow in our faith. Thank You for being faithful to your promises. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.