Wait For It

By Rob Albright

     Waiting is one of the most challenging things to do. We wait for the lab report from the last doctor’s visit. We wait in line at a toll booth while traveling on the interstate. We wait till the pharmacist fills our prescription for medication. We wait to check out at the grocery store. Things move fast in our world and we do not want to wait for anything. We want it all instantly!
     Yet we know that some things just take more time and cannot be rushed. If you plant seed in the garden, it takes time to grow into a plant. It takes time to get that refund check from the IRS. Now, here is something else we must wait for – we wait on God.
     The Greek word for “wait” in the New Testament is often translated “patience” or “confidence.” For instance, 2 Thessalonians 3:5 –“Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ” (NKJV). Here this verse is describing the steadfastness or endurance of Jesus as he faced great trials.
     So, we must have patience like Jesus. We grow in our trust of Him and His will for our life. As we grow, we become more assured of our faith. Our confidence in God and His Son and their ability to care for us is demonstrated by our willingness to be patient and trust in the promises of God. Our waiting is an opportunity to build our faith.

- Rob Albright serves as one of the ministers at the Northwest Church of Christ in Greensboro, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.nwchurchofchrist.com/