Most days, I shrug off the Lutheran church’s marquee as I run past it during a morning run. The saying is usually a cliché or some sentimental rubbish. Other times, the saying hits home.
“Patience is trusting in God’s timing.”
The air whooshes out of my lungs. I almost trip over my feet. I keep running, keeping time with “patience is trusting in God’s timing, patience is trusting in God’s timing.”
It becomes a metronome. I ponder the words as I run past the sign for the second time: “Patience is trusting in God’s timing.”
Patience is active. It’s not an aimless waiting; I’m not “just being patient.” I’m waiting for God. I’m trusting in his timing rather than my own. I do that because of who God is and what he’s done. I know his plans are perfect and for his glory and my good.
God is at work, even when I can’t see him, even when I forget him entirely. I can trust in that. I can be patient because God is good, and he is in control. I have nothing to fear. I need only be still. He will take care of me. He will make all things beautiful in their time.
Image: Virgil Telmo (Creative Commons)