Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.

I believe the Bible completely from cover to cover but occasionally I read a verse and ask myself, “Is that really how this person acted?” When reading Psalm 40, I asked myself if David was really patient as he waited. My response to this verse lets you in on my response to many things in life. Patience is not always my natural instinct. Whether I am waiting in line at McDonald’s or waiting for God to do something drastic in my life, patience is always a challenge. So how can I learn to wait patiently?

One of the most effective ways for me to deal with my own impatience is to realize how much patience Jesus has extended me. You must remember that when God hits the pause button on your life, He has a purpose in that moment of waiting. Remember that you are not the only one who is waiting. Jesus is always present waiting with you. The truth is that Jesus has been waiting longer than you realize.

• Jesus is always waiting with you. Jesus waited with you to surrender your life to Him. Romans 5:8 says, “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
• Jesus is presently working with you to fully transform my life. The process of sanctification is going on right now and I often see my lack of conformity.
• Jesus is working out your future for you. John 14:3 says, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Jesus designed a process by which He would redeem mankind unto Himself and it is a process that requires patience on His part more than anyone else’s part. The next time you find yourself waiting on God, remember that He is right there waiting with you. If He presses pause, He has a purpose.

Today’s Challenge: Remember that you never wait alone. If there is a pause then there is certainly a purpose of God in that moment. Wait patiently by recognizing He is waiting with you, working on you, and working out a better future on your behalf.