Pepperoni, fresh garlic, black olives. When I agreed to try my friend’s favorite pizza toppings, I had no idea they would smell so divine. The aroma prompted me to take two pieces. “It’s gonna be hot,” my friend said. Stupidly, I bypassed her warning and sunk my teeth into a steaming slice. You know what happened next. Lavalike cheese burned the top of my mouth, and the rest of the meal was spoiled because of my impatience.
Impatience ruined the Israelites’ harmony with God at a critical point in their history. Moses was conferring with God on Mount Sinai and was just about to present the people with the Ten Commandments. While he was gone, the Israelites grew restless. “When [they] saw how long it was taking Moses to come back down the mountain, they gathered around Aaron. ‘Come on,’ they said, ‘make us some gods who can lead us’ ” (Exodus 32:1).
Stupidly, Aaron gave in to their mutiny. He gathered all of their gold jewelry, melted it, and sculpted a cow out of the precious metal. The people worshiped it; sacrificed animals in its honor; and celebrated with feasting, drinking, and pagan revelry (Exodus 32:6). Their impatience sparked God’s anger; He noted their corruption and said, “How quickly they have turned away from the way I commanded them to live!” (Exodus 32:7-8).
After experiencing God’s provision, power, and promises, the Israelites refused to respect His timing. We too can fall into this trap. We expect immediate answers and fast access to the things we crave. These expectations can bleed into our relationship with God. Instead of acting on our impatience, it’s better to honor His schedule.
Humbling ourselves, waiting, and remembering that God’s ways are far better than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), means we won’t get burned trying to satisfy our desires.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Philippians 3:1-21
More:
Look up Romans 15:4 to learn how the Bible aids those who wait for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Read James 5:7-8 to understand more about waiting for Christ’s return.
Next:
What’s the connection between faith and patience? Why would God refuse to answer all of our prayer requests right away? Why might He ask us to wait?
Aganos on December 4, 2013 at 2:10 am
my teenage niece disappeared days ago from her parents home in a very remote place. She didnt have a phone and she has not communicated since. Sometimes you get impatient and the devil brings all negative imaginations. But i thank God today He has used you to communicate hope and peace to our family. His ways are not our ways and His thoughts not our thoughts! Pray with us that God will grant our desire to our daughter back. God bless you jennifer
wman123 on December 4, 2013 at 7:16 am
I’m praying for your niece’s safe return and that you and your family will find strength and comfort in the Lord.
tom felten on December 4, 2013 at 8:49 am
Good thoughts, Jen. I’m reminded of what Peter instructed: “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor” (1 Peter 5:6).
LCC on December 5, 2013 at 1:42 am
Aganos, praying for your niece and family during this difficult time. May our good Lord brings her back to the family in no time.
LCC on December 5, 2013 at 1:46 am
After reading your article, Jennifer I have a question :
When our prayers not answered for a long time,
are we being impatient OR are we just waiting for
something that maybe is not God’s will for us?