Better to be Patient than Powerful

Patience is what we should pray for, but when we do…..it seems we encounter even more reasons to pray “Lord, give me patience, but PLEASE give it to me NOW!!!”

As I type this post I’m asking God to forgive me for my IMPATIENCE. I loved my neat and tidy world here in Tulsa. Beautiful home. Wonderful friends. Sweet family members. Awesome churches. Needs met. Many connections for faith and outreach. THEN, my home sells and I hear God’s voice and feel His nudge….”Time to move on!” I take those words in with great excitement, energy and motivation and I set out to make it all happen. But, while I’m putting together my must do’s, strategies, and deadlines, I’m hearing God say “Slow down. Don’t be in such a rush. Be patient. Instead of being a “human doing”, I want you to be a “human being” — being in My presence while I take control of it all.”

Seriously, I don’t consider myself someone who grasps for power, but as I get closer to my leaving Tulsa date (around November 8th or 9th), I realize I want power over certain things. I want to control how this transition will go. I want everything all neat and tidy there like it’s been here. So I’ve relentlessly looked for homes online, had my kids running all over to check out properties for me and even driven to Texas (several times) to check out the homes.

Then I read that scripture “Better to be patient than powerful.” (Proverbs 16:32). Suddenly what I realize, all this need to make it happen, is different than patience. Because patience is about receiving. It’s about believing that everything will work out. It’s about resting in the shade of God’s love instead of toiling in the sun of striving.

Patience isn’t just about time; it’s also about trust. It’s about saying, “I don’t have to be in control. I don’t have to hold the power because I know the One who does. And He is for me. He is always working on my behalf. And this means I don’t have to strive or reach for control.” The truest work of patience is when I realize that even more than having to be in control is being cared for by SOMEONE who truly loves me.

Then, I let out a sigh of relief as I realize all over again that God is for me and His plans are for my good. He has been so patiently waiting for me to get it. I’m sure it’s a really good idea to succomb to His agenda for my life. Instead of asking God to get onboard my train as a passenger, I think I’ll move to the caboose and let Him engineer this ride. I expect He’ll stop it RIGHT at the place and RIGHT at the time when it’s best for Him AND me!