Being Patient in the Process

God keeps leading me to this idea of being patient in the process. Being patient to forgive, to heal, to understand, to wait. Being patient out of love and compassion, out of obedience to God, knowing that being faithful in the little things will one day be necessary to succeed with the greater tasks. It’s not enough to simply move on or through situations, but it’s important to grow and mature in the process. The wait isn’t to discourage, but to prepare for what’s next. Being patient in the process means to trust His timing, not trying to rush or control an outcome. We can choose to survive or thrive each day. We can maintain our sense of normal or use the time to grow and mature. We’ll never know why certain things happen, but we can trust that God has a greater purpose in every detail. 

I love the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18. Verses 26 and 29 mirror each other to show that one servant, although forgiven by the king, never had a heart change to forgive another servant. Although he was gifted this freedom from the highest in command, he chose not to reciprocate to his fellow servant. So even though he was legally free, he was bound to the condition of his heart. Both of the servants in debt plead, “Have patience with me and I will pay you.” Out of any response they could have spoken in that situation, they ask for patience. Not for their debt to be paid, not for it to be forgotten. They ask for patience as they fulfill their responsibility.

Maybe that’s because forgiveness isn’t a one-time thing, but a process. Healing is a process. Fulfilling your calling is a process. The good things take time; we need to be patient with ourselves and others. We need to give grace just as God does. This all takes time. It’s not that their responsibility could not be completed; it just took time.

But if you notice, the unforgiving servant is fueled by a desire for immediate action. That’s where the problem occurs; he wasn’t patient. And with the actions that follow, he is imprisoned for not forgiving, for not being patient and for not trusting the process. When we try take control out of God’s hands, when we become impatient, we become a prisoner to our own expectations.

Reflect: How can you be patient in healing or forgiveness?

How can you extend empathy and compassion to someone who is hurting?

What is something you need to surrender to God today?

What are some habits that can help you become more patient?