The Value of Patience
As a person gets older, they usually become better at spotting patterns. They learn that particular behaviors usually lead to particular outcomes. People who are good at pattern recognition see the train wreck coming long before the train actually leaves the tracks. One difficulty that often accompanies a growing sense of pattern recognition is the uncertainty of knowing when to intervene.
I have been struck by the profound patience of God, the One who knows exactly where each decision will lead. Through the prophets, we see Him warn and even plead with His people as disaster looms on the horizon. The story of the Prodigal Son reveals a father who surely knows that his son’s request for early inheritance will end in despair. And yet, the father grants his son’s ruinous request. Why?
Why doesn’t God always intervene in our foolishness? Surely, He sees the end result of our decisions. And yet, often, He waits. To be sure, He never leaves us. But He waits patiently.
As someone who likes to fix things and avoid problems, waiting isn’t my strong suit. However, I am coming to understand that waiting often allows God’s work in our lives to unfold in its proper time. Patience is an expression of trust in a perfect God. Patience looks like God.
