Exasperated at the end of a frustrating day-an entire day spent in a partially successful effort to make 20 copies of 135 pages of Bible Institute materials-I arrived back at the hotel. I expected to eat dinner, talk a few minutes with our local enablers, and spend the evening reading and relaxing. (Not!) But as the cab pulled into the hotel entrance, I saw three men on the balcony, watching our arrival. Men obviously waiting for me.
A couple of situations were quickly dealt with, and two of the men left. But the third man was there to share with me and invite my participation in his ministry. He wanted to talk with me at length. This was important to him. How important? He had been waiting for me for over seven hours, with no knowledge of when I might return!
At least I had a few copies to show for my day. But this man had accomplished nothing. Nothing? He had spent almost the entire day, simply waiting for an opportunity to talk with me. And he waited well. And he accomplished his task.
This concept of waiting-of having a goal that is so important that we will wait, if necessary, until-is often unknown to us Westerners. We want it, and we want it now. And if we can't get it here and now, we'll immediately go wherever we think we can get it now! We don't understand the value of waiting.
Ultimately, I showed up. The man's patience paid off. He had his time with me. And I listened attentively. He had earned my respect and time. Whether I was worth the wait or not is known only to him, but his immediate goal was met.
I often approach the Lord as a typical Westerner-I want what I want, and I want it now. And He won't provide it, I'll do everything in my power to get it myself! But God wants us to learn to wait. To wait on His provision. To wait on His direction. To wait on His time. God's agenda is often different than my agenda. But because I'm such a poor waiter, I often miss His plan and purpose. He takes His time. God isn't in a hurry. Sometimes, I think, He waits just to see if I'm serious.
But I've learned that, if I'm patient, He is always worth the wait.