A Prerequisite for Peace

In the story of Abraham, in the book of Genesis – after the birth of Ishmael, Abraham waits 13 years for another word from the Lord. 13 years of silence. Abraham is an old man at this point. God has promised him an heir, and he knows it is not Ishmael. So Abraham waits in faith, and God is faithful.

In our culture today, we’ve become accustomed to getting what we want when we want it. And we get impatient. We want to see spiritual growth today. We want our confusing scary situation to change now. We want our loved ones to get well immediately. But life doesn’t always unfold according to our timetable. Sometimes, as difficult as it is, we have to wait.  

Of course, we do have a choice. We can wait in anxiety and worry. We can wring our hands and complain bitterly to anyone who will listen. Or, we can learn to wait with patience – and with trust. 

Yes, there may be steps we need to take. There may be issues we need to talk through. There may be heart-felt prayers that need to be lifted up. But, once we’ve done our part, we can trust that life is in God’s hands. This is not easy, but truly there is no sound alternative.

Patience is one of the fruits of the Spirit. Pastor and scholar Joshua Kang makes the claim that patience is a prerequisite for peace – in every sense of the word. He writes, “People who have patience lack nothing. People who have patience have everything.”

Let us pray: Pour out your Spirit on us again this day, Loving God. Fill our cups to overflowing again with your grace. For sometimes it is hard to wait for answers to our prayers. In our daily struggles, we need your strength. We need to be reminded that you are good and that you are with us. Grant us the patience and the courage we need for this day. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.