2021 Daily Devotion - Day 461

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“Basically, waiting is not just something we have to do until we get what we want. Waiting is part of the process of becoming what God wants us to be.” – John Ortberg

Okay, so I can be impatient at times. We wait in lines, we wait on hold, and my personal pet peeve – waiting for slow players on the golf course! While these are very minor things overall, there was a time in my life when I found waiting to be very difficult.

While my wife and I were trying desperately to conceive, we were faced with a number of different issues; an ectopic pregnancy, a miscarriage, as well as some issues on my part. I dare say I even got impatient with God!

Well, God had other plans. His timing was not ours. What He saw was that we were not as emotionally prepared as we should have been at that point in time, so He decided to wait on us. In effect, He wanted to bring out the best in us first before executing His plan.

In time, His plan unfolded in an amazing way. You see, we did not conceive; rather, He laid it on our hearts to pursue the adoption route. We ultimately adopted two infant Korean children three years apart. These two beautiful children became the biggest blessings for us far beyond what we could have ever imagined.

In looking back on this whole ordeal, we were only interested in the outcome. God, on the other hand, was just as invested in the process as He was in the outcome! We just could not see it at the time. His timing was perfect! Thank You, Lord!

“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are those who wait for him.” – Isaiah 30:18

Pray with me:
Father, thank You for Your faithfulness, and for teaching us the unsurpassing value of waiting on You. In all situations, Lord, help us to fully trust in Your perfect timing, You are always with us, and Your plans are perfect. Help us to understand that Your grace is always enough, and to let go of any urges to control our lives, knowing we can count on Your wisdom and lovingkindness. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Clint Refsnyder
Past President of Mount of Olives Church Congregation, Church Council
Mount of Olives Church
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