Is impatience getting you down?
by Charles Bertelsmeier
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Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will (Hebrews 10:36a).
Read Hebrews 10:26–39
Most of us have had experiences when time goes really slowly, for example, when we are doing something we don’t enjoy, and there is something else we would rather be doing but can’t get to it until the current activity is completed. We probably also have had experiences when time seems to go very fast as when we are completely absorbed in some activity we really enjoy.
When the writer to the Hebrews calls for patient endurance, it may sound as though he is calling us to a life and activities during which, from past experience, we expect time will seem to drag on.
Reading the whole recommended section of the text, we get the impression that the recipients of the letter began their Christian faith with much excitement and commitment. It was all something new, and really amazing things were happening (miracles, the dead restored to life, etc). They were so caught up in what was happening, that even the persecution from outside the church didn’t faze them. They were having a really awesome time. And there was even the expectation that Jesus would return soon and take them to be with him forever.
But then, over time, things settled down to a more normal rhythm. Jesus hadn’t returned. The excitement of living as God’s children started to fade and even turn into a bit of a drudge. They were even tempted to go looking elsewhere for fun and excitement.
The problem was that their expectation of what God should be doing and when he should be doing it was out of line with God’s own plan. They were becoming impatient with God. Instead of surrendering themselves to God’s plans and purposes for their lives, they were seeking to live their lives on their own terms.
The writer calls their attention to what lives were like under God when they first became Christians. God hadn’t changed. He still wanted to involve them in the work of his kingdom. They need to learn patience for things to happen when and how God knew best.
Have you felt frustrated with what your church community has been doing? Do you feel frustrated with your own life? Is it empty and unfulfilling? Are you frustrated enough to hand it all over to God and let him lead you in new directions, trusting in his timing?
Heavenly Father, we do so enjoy the times when we get to experience you doing amazing things. Yet there is still joy and peace working with you when things just keep going at a more steady pace. Please help us to faithfully follow your leading as we wait patiently for you to achieve your outcomes. Amen.
Charles is a retired engineer who has worked on communications projects for the Air Force, Army and Navy. He lives in a retirement village in the outer north west suburbs of Sydney with his wife, Diane. Together they have four children and eight grandchildren whom they love spending time with. He keeps himself busy with their pot plants, community vegetable garden, researching his family history and volunteering at LifeWay Lutheran Church.
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