How can we apply patience in waiting for God's timing as Jesus did? John 7:6 — Waiting on the Father’s Clock “Therefore Jesus told them, ‘My time has not yet come; but your time is always at hand.’” (John 7:6) • Jesus’ brothers pressed Him to attend the Feast publicly (John 7:3–4), but He refused to move until the Father signaled. • His words draw a sharp contrast: human agendas are “always at hand,” yet divine appointments arrive only when the Father ordains. How Jesus Modeled Patience • Anchored in purpose — He knew every moment of His ministry was scheduled (John 2:4; 12:23; 13:1). • Immune to pressure — Family expectations, public opinion, and even danger never hurried Him (Luke 4:29–30). • Confident in sovereignty — He trusted the Father’s oversight, even when delay looked like defeat (John 11:6–15). • Active while waiting — He kept teaching, serving, and loving in the “in-between” (Mark 1:38–39). Practicing Patience in Our Own Waiting • Recognize seasons. “For everything there is a season…a time to plant and a time to uproot.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1–2) • Resist fleshly haste. “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him.” (Psalm 37:7) • Submit plans daily. “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.” (Psalm 37:5) • Wait with hope, not idleness. “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength…they will run and not grow weary.” (Isaiah 40:31) • Let the Spirit bear fruit. “The fruit of the Spirit is…patience.” (Galatians 5:22) • Keep sowing good. “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) Promises That Sustain Us • God sees every hidden act of obedience (Matthew 6:4). • He works all things together for good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28). • “The LORD is good to those who wait for Him.” (Lamentations 3:25) • “You have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive the promise.” (Hebrews 10:36) Simple Steps for the Week Ahead • Start each morning by acknowledging His calendar: “Father, Your timing is perfect.” • Identify one area where impatience shows—relationships, career, healing, finances—and consciously release the deadline. • Replace anxious scrolls or conversations with a Psalm of trust (try Psalm 27:14). • Serve someone else during your waiting; obedience fills the gap between promise and fulfillment. • End each day recounting ways God proved faithful, reinforcing confidence that His hour will come. |
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