[CrimsonTide4]

Reasons to Wait
LAMENTATIONS 3:22-25
When we come to a fork in the pathway of life, we need to wait for God to show us which way to turn. The best-looking opportunity can end in a quagmire if we rush ahead of Him. In our eagerness to secure the best for ourselves, we often overlook the fact that the Lord has good reasons for slowing our progress.

Building Faith. God wants to conform believers to the image of Jesus Christ, and He has a specific plan for each of us. Faith is stretched and strengthened the most during periods of hardship. Though we may wish God would push back the storm, we must ride it out to understand His trustworthiness.

When we concentrate on what we want instead of on the One who provides for us, our requests can stray out of His will. We grow anxious, but God isn’t moved by our frustration. Like a patient Father, He nudges us to recognize that a wrong desire has supplanted our longing for Him. Our right response--renewed focus on Him--often precedes our blessing.

Sometimes situations are not ready for the answer God wants to give us. He may need to organize a series of events or change an individual’s mind before our waiting can end.

Patience pays off in rewards that surpass our requests. Most of all, God wants us to be confident of His presence and provision, even when we can’t see the evidence. In response to our trust, He will pour His goodness out on us. Instead of slogging through a sea of regrets, we can walk on a solid path cleared by God’s own hand.