Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

Yesterday morning, my wife was preparing pancakes for our daughters, Jane and Juanita. My daughters began to argue over who would get the first pancake. My wife saw the opportunity for a moral lesson and said, “Now children, if Jesus were sitting here, He would say, ‘Let my sister have the first pancake. I can wait.’” Jane turned to her younger sister and said, “Juan, you be Jesus.”

This scene cracked me up, but how true is it of our lives? We want what we want, and we want it now!

In my journey in the ministry, I was taught that God’s best gifts come slowly. We could not use them if they did not.

Many people, called of God to works in which they are pouring out their lives, are convinced that the Lord means to bring their efforts to a successful conclusion. Nevertheless, even a confident worker grows discouraged at times and worries because results do not come as rapidly as he or she desires. But growth and strength in waiting are results often greater than the end so impatiently longed for.

Paul had time to realize this as he lay in prison. Moses must have asked, “Why?” many times during the delays in Midian and in the wilderness. Jesus Himself experienced the discipline of delay in His silent years before His great public ministry began.

Perhaps you’ve been waiting on something for a long time, and you’re weary. You’re not alone! Let’s ask the Lord to renew our hearts and desires today and give us a fresh infilling of strength to wait on His perfect timing.

Good things do come to those who wait!

You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. — James 5:8, NIV

Prayer: Deepen our trust, O Lord, during the times when our hearts long for what can only come in the fullness of time. Give us calm assurance that Your will for us is grander than anything we could ever imagine. Through Christ our Lord, amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Isaac Jebaseelan is a Partnership Facilitator in India.

Read all the One in Spirit devotionals.