Passionate Patience

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Have you ever wondered what it entails to ask for patience? We, in the small group I participate with, on several occasions have often warned each other, “Do not ask for patience!,” “Watch out what you ask for!” The general consensus, it seems, is when we ask God for patience, our experience is that more often than not, a Pandora’s box of unknown gargantuan proportions is opened – my plea for God to bestow upon me “patience” in this manner which has more often then not, led to more complex and painful situations, rather than peaceful resolution for which I originally hoped for – further complexity for a weary soul.

Anyone who knows me, especially well, will tell you that I am very proactive – I do not like to wait, I do not like to painfully think out every scenario. If I see a need, I like to act upon it. If someone wants to join me, then so much the better. It has served me well after all the 30 years I have been a legal assistant/paralegal. But, I must confess, that after years of introspect, I know I am an “impatient” Christian. Sometimes, most times, it’s difficult for me to “Be still and listen.”

In our Sunday school class (the **0’s something couples), we are studying II Peter. One of the verses gave characteristics of believers. One of the words was “perseverance.” My new everyday side by side companion gave the definition of perseverance as “passionate patience.” Ugh, that “P” word again.

We have suffered many losses at Bluegrass within the past months. Many people have left our church, homes and hearts to be with our Lord, or, conversely, have “just moved on.” Our human hearts wonder “why?”

When my daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago at the age of 28, only two months after she was married to her childhood sweetheart, she too asked “why?” I will never forget the look on her face which I am sure was mirrored in my face as the doctor said, “I’m sorry, it’s cancer.” Etched in my mind forever is the scene of her looking out the multi-storied window of the surgeon’s office as she asked, “What did I do to deserve this?” That very night, around 2:00 a.m. in the morning, I was still sitting in my rocker chair in my sun room, staring into the darkness with tears streaming asking God the same question that my daughter asked earlier, “What did I do to deserve this?” Then I found myself begging God to grant my request that I be allowed to take on her challenge as she was so young and her life was essentially just starting. Very few people know of my experience but I have decided to share it with you. As I sat there with stillness all around me I heard a voice and This Voice –His Voice– called me by name and asked, “Debbie, do you know what you are asking?” With all the conviction in my heart, I replied, “Yes, Lord.” I shall never ever forget these three little words He spoke to me: “All is well.” I’ve come to learn that He did not promise me (I use the word “promise” because I know that when God speaks, he is not just “talking,” He is making a personal promise to us) that Christy would be spared – He simply assured me that all would be well, whenever and whatever transpired in His Plan and in His Time, not my time, my hopes, my wishes or my requests, but His and His alone.

In the past months, there have been many families at Bluegrass who have fallen to their knees (metaphorically and physically) and even laying in the floor, arms outstretched, begging for enlightenment from God asking “Why is this happening?” or to “Please Lord, let this cup pass from me or my family!” These requests are not just limited to physical illness, infirmities, or imminent death. Pain and devastation come in all forms and fashions to us as God’s children – marriage issues, breach of trust, addictions, financial crises, wandering children (young and adult) – you name it, and sooner or later as a Child of God, you will probably experience it, either personally, through your family, or friends. Trust God to bring you through the impatient periods of your life, whatever they are and whenever they occur. Even through the most desolate periods of your life, “Be still” and listen for His Voice: “All is well.”

In choir, we have sung a song which is my main anthem and it deals with – “patience.” This song always touches my heart and leads me back where I need to be — submissive to God, The Father, The Son and Holy Spirit and His Plan – I hope you will read this and reflect upon its message:

“Wait Upon The Lord”

Did Moses know when the branches spoke he would be the chosen one?
Or did his people know that a cloud of smoke would someday lead them home?
Sometimes God will speak through a bush of flames or pillars in the sky,
But at times His silence fills our days leaving us to wonder “Why?”.

Sometimes we wait, simply to find
Sometimes His answers come with time,
Not right away clearly to see,
Sometimes we never get those parted seas
That lead us from the shore.
But there is a place
Where we rest in His grace
When sometimes we wait on the Lord.

If I had my way, there would come a day with a never-ending dawn.
No more mournful sighs in the dark of night as I wonder where He’s gone.
I would never see how His mercy reigns beneath a cloudless sky.
There would be no need for healing grace to comfort when we cry.

Sometimes we wait, simply to find
Sometimes His answers come with time,
Not right away clearly to see,
Sometimes we never get those parted seas
That lead us from the shore.
But there is a place
Where we rest in His grace
When sometimes we wait on the Lord.

CCLI License # 1457814
Words and Music by Tom Grassi
Arranged by Tom Fettke
Published by Lillenas

Debbie Cooper

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