Finding supernatural patience as you wait on God

Some of the greatest missionaries in the history of our faith were firmly devoted to spreading the seed of God's Word, and yet had to wait long periods before seeing the fruit of their efforts.

William Carey, for example, labored 7 years before the first Hindu convert was brought to Christ. In western Africa, it was 14 years after the first missionary came before one convert was received into the Christian church. In New Zealand, it took 9 years; and in Tahiti, it was 16 years before the first harvest of souls began.

Thomas à Kempis described that kind of patience in these words:

"He deserves not the name of patient who is only willing to suffer as much as he thinks proper, and for whom he pleases. The truly patient man asks (nothing) from whom he suffers, (whether) his superior, his equal, or his inferior… But from whomever, or how much, or how often wrong is done to him, he accepts it all as from the hand of God, and counts it gain!"

It's one thing to wait begrudgingly for God's timing. It's another to truly show supernatural patience-being joyful and anticipating God to come through in a big way. So when God calls you to wait, remember you're in good company and trust in Him with joy and eager expectation!