WAITING PATIENTLY WITH HOPE

Have you ever heard of the modern-day prayer? It goes this way: “Lord, give me patience, and I want it right now.” Patience is not a virtue our society seems to favor. Few of us like to wait – it reminds us we’re out of control. When we are waiting, it may feel like nothing is happening. Sometimes, when we pray, and the answer doesn’t come right away, we start to wonder, God, are You even listening?

But the Bible tells us that waiting is not wasted time. When we’re waiting, God is working. And patience is not just about waiting. It’s about how we wait. Do we spend that time worrying, getting anxious, pacing the floor? Or do we use that time to deepen our trust, to lean into God, and to grow in faith?

I love what the Psalmist says: “Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You.” (Psalm 33:20-22). It’s not just about asking for mercy, it’s about hoping in His mercy. It’s about how we posture our hearts while we wait. And when we hope in the Lord, we can wait with confidence, trusting in His Holy name, knowing that He’s got everything under control.

When we are in communion with God—when we have a deep relationship with Him—we aren’t troubled by delays. We don’t get rattled by temporary problems. We wait patiently because we know that He is with us, that He loves us, and that He’s going to take care of us. Patient waiting is one of the strongest proofs of faith.

So today, whatever you’re waiting on, whatever prayer you’ve been lifting up, trust God’s timing. Don’t rush it. Don’t get discouraged because you don’t see things happening the way you expect. God’s ways are higher than our ways. Keep praying, keep believing, keep trusting, and keep praising Him while you wait. He will answer our prayers, strengthen us, and give us peace.

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
September 6, 2024