Patience with God

"Then the LORD answered me and said: Write down the vision Clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; If it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late." Hb 2:3-4

Waiting can be a struggle. Whether we are waiting for a family member to arrive for supper, or for news about a medical test, our spirits get edgy and anxious. Not sure how to proceed, we realize how often we take for granted the ordinary events of everyday life. Sometimes annoyance and anger fill us, and although our minds tell us we are being foolish, our desire to control life is stronger than our good sense.

The prophet Habbakuk, perhaps the only prophet to challenge God's way of dealing with his people, cannot understand how God can abandon his people and even seem to participate in their destruction. Is this the behavior of an all loving God? Can't God see the good hidden in the hearts of his people? Although Habbukuk is angry, hurt and confused, God tells him to wait, be patient and see what God will do for the people of Israel.

The lesson of Habbakuk is demanding. We cannot look at a single day or year and judge God's actions justly. Unless we step back from our own impatience and pride, we will fail to see that God always turns back to his people, always forgives, always draws near to us in our struggles. The battle we wage within not to miss the "forest for the trees" in our own lives can be exhausting, but is the ultimate test of our faith. God will not abandon us, but we must be patient.

Today, don't rush yourself or others. 

Who or what has taught you the value of patience?