Lately, I've found myself to be very impatient. What I really mean is...
I keep wondering when I'll find the right person, what job I'll end up with, if I'll be living paycheck to paycheck, or if I'll be able to afford all my wants and needs. Sometimes it even keeps me up at night wondering if I'm doing enough to get to where I want to be in my career. I just don't understand why we can't know everything now.
I have had multiple talks with my mom about being patient and letting God lead me through life. Being a college student, that's harder said than done. There's so many things that can happen that could make you question what you're doing. Like if you fail a class, you're probably wondering whether you're in the right major or if you have a bad breakup, are you dating the right kind of people? The best person to ask for guidance is God.
Bringing your concerns to God all the time can get complicated. You feel like you're constantly waiting for answers, wondering if they'll ever come. God does not have deaf ears; don't take things into your own hands. Instead, ask the Spirit to fill your heart and continue to be patient. The New Bible Dictionary defines patience as “God-given restraint in the face of opposition or oppression.” This means that it is not up to us to be patient, but to have faith that God will provide us the strength and will to not give in.
Patience in Galations 5 is referred to as long-suffering. We may not know when or how God will answer our prayers, but ROMANS 8:28 assures us “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Philippians 1:6 says "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." You must trust that God has created you the way He wanted you and will place people and opportunities in front of you when you are ready for them. Patience is an act of the will to claim ground for the Kingdom of God, and is rewarded richly by Him. REVELATION 3:10-11 tells us of God’s care for those who persevere through the battle.
You may not have realized your prayers have been answered--He may not even answer them in the way you have asked for. We must intensify our relationship with Christ while we are waiting for our prayers to be answered. God knows what He is doing and it is up to us to believe that we have the Spirit within us.
As young Christians, we must vow to be patient. Don't go out seeking a significant other; let them be placed in front of you. Work as hard as you can in school and you will be given opportunities for your career. God will take care of you as long as you love Him with your whole heart.
