Battling Impatience: Surrendering Control, Trusting God's Timing

Impatience: A Battle for Control

Impatience is a prevalent sin that many of us struggle with. It's a battle for control that we often try to explain away with excuses. We blame our impatience on being tired, busy, or distracted. We point fingers at our circumstances, such as difficult children or a demanding workload. But the truth is, impatience stems from our unwillingness to trust and submit to God's timing and plans.

When we face moments of impatience, we tend to reach for convenient excuses. Personally, I often find myself using "tired" as an excuse. I tell myself that if only I had enough sleep and quiet time, I wouldn't be so impatient. I convince myself that I'm a patient person who becomes impatient when I'm exhausted. But this argument is flawed. Weariness or external pressures don't cause impatience; they simply reveal the impatience that already exists within us (Matthew 15:11).

The Root of Impatience

To truly understand impatience, we need to dig deeper and examine its roots. At its core, impatience is a manifestation of our desire to be in control. We want things to happen on our timeline and according to our plans. We struggle to trust that God's timing is perfect and His plans are far greater than our own.

Impatience often arises when we face delays or obstacles. We grow frustrated when things don't go according to our expectations. We question God's sovereignty and wonder why He isn't working according to our desires. In these moments, we need to remind ourselves of God's promises and His faithfulness throughout history.

Biblical Perspective on Impatience

The Bible provides us with numerous examples and teachings on impatience. One notable story is that of Abraham and Sarah. God had promised them a son, but as the years went by without fulfillment, impatience crept in. Sarah, in her desperation, suggested that Abraham have a child with her maidservant, Hagar. This act of impatience led to long-lasting consequences and pain (Genesis 16).

Another example is the Israelites wandering in the wilderness. Despite God's faithfulness and provision, they grew impatient and complained. They doubted God's ability to fulfill His promises and longed for the familiarity of Egypt. Their impatience delayed their entry into the Promised Land (Numbers 14).

Throughout the Bible, we are reminded of the importance of patience and trust in God's timing. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, we read, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." Psalm 27:14 encourages us to "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"

Overcoming Impatience

So how can we overcome impatience and find peace in God's timing? Here are some practical steps:

1. Surrender Control

Recognize that impatience stems from a desire for control. Surrender your plans, desires, and timeline to God. Trust that He knows what is best for you and that His timing is perfect. Let go of the need to be in control and embrace God's sovereignty.

2. Seek God's Will

Instead of constantly striving for your own desires, seek God's will for your life. Spend time in prayer and study His Word to discern His plans for you. Align your heart with His and trust that His plans are far greater than anything you could imagine.

3. Cultivate Patience

Patience is a virtue that needs to be cultivated. Practice waiting with a joyful and expectant heart. Embrace the process and the lessons you learn along the way. Remember that God is working in the waiting and that His timing is always perfect.

4. Trust God's Faithfulness

When impatience threatens to overwhelm you, remember God's faithfulness throughout history. Reflect on the times He has come through for you and fulfilled His promises. Trust that He will continue to be faithful in the future, even if His timing doesn't align with yours.

5. Lean on God's Strength

Overcoming impatience is not something we can do on our own. We need to rely on God's strength and guidance. Seek His help through prayer and invite the Holy Spirit to work in your heart. Allow His peace to fill you and empower you to wait patiently.

Conclusion

Impatience is a battle for control that we all face. It stems from our unwillingness to trust and submit to God's timing and plans. By surrendering control, seeking God's will, cultivating patience, trusting in His faithfulness, and leaning on His strength, we can overcome impatience and find peace in God's perfect timing. Let us remember the words of Isaiah 40:31, "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."