Patience is something that I struggle with every single day and I know I'm not the only one. In a world where we expect things to happen exactly when we want them to, having to wait for something is difficult. This could mean waiting for a relationship, a job offer, important news-anything! It's during this waiting period when we begin to doubt our worth and wonder why great things are happening to everyone except you. Hence the "all my friends are getting engaged" feeling.
When I'm feeling particularly impatient, my bible is the first place I turn to. One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
It's amazing to think that God has a unique plan for each and every one of us. While we only see what's happening in the present, God can see the bigger picture and knows what's best for us. All we have to do is let Him guide us. This is a thought that I have to remind myself of.
Here are some ways to have patience in all of the craziness.
1. Expect your plans to change. Often.
I'm the type of person that always has to have a plan, but sometimes that plan doesn't line up with God's plan for me. You just have to remember that God's plan is so much better than anything you could ever imagine on your own.
2. Trust Him.
Jesus replied, "You do not realize not what I am doing, but later you will understand."
John 13:7.
He knows exactly what He's doing. You just have to trust that He will guide you in the right direction.
3. Don't compare yourself to others.
This one is so important. Yes, all of your friends might be getting engaged while you're still single, but THAT'S OKAY. This is my biggest struggle, but I've had to tell myself that my life isn't going to be the same as theirs. Does that mean that I'm any less worthy of a relationship than they are? No. My story is coming and so is yours.
4. Ask God for patience.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."
Philippians 4:6.
We have the amazing opportunity to be able to ask God for things. Prayer is powerful and can do some wonderful things. If patience is something you need, ask God for some guidance.
While waiting is something we'll all have to do at some point, these helpful steps will hopefully make the wait a little less unpleasant. Use that time to focus on yourself and what you can do to be the best version of you.
