Almighty God Does Not Share Our Impatience

John 11:6

So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.

In today's world, everything happens at such a rapid pace.  Almost any product can be ordered on line and delivered within one to two days.  There are now some on-line delivery services that promise delivery of the new item within two hours.  To stand in line for anything drives us up a wall.  We simply have lost all patience with anything other than instant gratification.

The problem with instant gratification is that it often fails to deliver on the expectations of the moment.  That shiny new toy that we were so excited about seldom fulfills all that we thought it would.

Unfortunately we carry our need for instant gratification into our prayer life.  When we find ourselves or our loved ones afflicted with pain or disease, in financial need or in a very dry place spiritually, we look to Almighty God for instant relief.  He does not share our impatience.  His timing is completely different from ours.  

Our Father in heaven has every intention of meeting the needs of those that accept His Son as their Savior.  His plans for us are perfect for us and our needs.  He hears our prayers and He answers them.  He does not rush to provide the answers instantly, even though He could.  When His work of temporal or spiritual deliverance is delayed, it is only on hold for the right time and the maximum good for all.  Just as it was for Lazarus and his family, He responds to our prayers with only the best for us and those around us, regardless of how long it takes. 

Let us learn to lean on the promises of Almighty God with total faith.  Let us know without any doubt that He will hear and answer our prayers.  Let us rejoice in knowing that His response to our needs will be perfect for us and for those around us. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for always giving us what is best for us and not what we ask for and certainly not what we deserve.  We exalt You for the loving kindness, the mercy and the grace that You extend to us endlessly.  We pray, Lord, that You will show us how to wait confidently in faith for all that You have prepared for us and those around us.  We rejoice in knowing that Your timing is perfect.  We ask all these things in the name of the Alpha and the Omega, Jesus Christ.