One
day, as a young Christian, I stomped around with steam virtually coming out of
my ears. Impatience oozed out of every pour in my body, because I was weary of
waiting. After I quickly shot an irritated prayer to heaven, God reminded me of
Esau.
He
was in such a hurry to get something to eat, that he sold his birthright for a
bowl of lentil stew (Genesis 25:29-34). This birthright included a double
portion of his family’s possessions as an inheritance, the privilege of leading
his family into the future, and a prophetic blessing from his father.
Esau
valued the momentary satisfaction of his appetite more than all of this. He
wanted what he could have now, instead of valuing his future provision and
inheritance.
Many
teens want adult privileges before they are mature enough to handle them, and they
often end up in jail. Adulterous spouses prefer the immediate gratification of
their carnal desires, rather than to lovingly water the seeds of affection in
their marriage (Matthew 5:28).
Thieving
employees want more than their fair share, before they prove themselves
responsible enough to earn it through a promotion or a raise (Psalm 62:10;
Ecclesiastes 2:24). The impatient child of God forgets that God liberally gives
all good things to those who put their trust in Him (Acts 14:17).
God
guarantees us a spiritual life of righteousness, peace and joy on this earth
(Romans 14:17), culminating in the eternal glories of Heaven. He also provides
all of our temporal needs in this life through His abundant riches (Philippians
4:19).
Prayer:
Father
God, remind us that if we value Your blessings in our life, we will undervalue
earthly aspects of living, and focus on what has eternal value instead. Help us
to rest in You and to wait patiently for Your provision. Remind us not to be
anxious because of those who prosper now (Proverbs 28:25), but to keep our
focus on You and to trust in Your faithfulness and timing.
Teach
us how to enter into Your rest, to live each moment of our life walking
according to the guidance of Your Holy Spirit, and to abide in patience while
we trust in Your provision and grace, rather than to give in to fear, unrest,
anxiety and tension. These negative characteristics shorten our life, and cause
illness to reign in our body, which restricts our service to You in Your
Kingdom. We want to wait on You, and to bear more fruit in Your service.
Thought
for the Day:
No
temporary, worldly pleasure is worth forfeiting the promises and provision of
God in His timing, which also causes us to thwart the perfecting work of
patience in our life; therefore, we never despise waiting on the Lord's perfect
timing and plan for us.
-
James 1:4
