“There are no shortcuts in the spiritual life.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 20, 2025
But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold. Psalm 106:13, NIV
Whenever I’ve gotten myself in trouble in life, impatience is usually to blame. I long to see immediate results and bristle at the idea of a long and drawn-out process. This is true of health and fitness, relationships, work projects, and, most importantly, it is true of our lives with God.
Time and time again, in the Old Testament, we see the People of God questioning God’s intention to keep his promises. Specifically, they find his timetable to be deeply troubling, so much so that they decide to take matters into their own hands, and, in so doing, leave behind a posture of trust and dependence, instead embracing a life of independence and self-sufficiency. Though it pains us to admit it, we are all tempted to act similarly, and often give into that temptation, seeking to will into being our desired future, taking by force what is meant to be received as a gift.
There are no shortcuts in the spiritual life. When we look to Jesus, we see the perfect will of the Father on display, and what he reveals to us is a way of life that is always submitted to the Father. Never taking. Always receiving. Here, I’m reminded of one of my all-time favorite Eugene Peterson quotes, who once said, “Impatience to leave the methods of Jesus in order to get the work of Jesus done is what destroys spirituality, because we’re using a non-biblical, non-Jesus way to do what Jesus did. That’s why spirituality is in such a mess as it is today.”
Our ability to be patient is closely connected to our willingness to trust in the wisdom of God. Do we truly believe that he is good, that he is all-powerful, all-knowing, and working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28)? If so, then when we feel impatient and are tempted to demand that he speed things up, perhaps instead what is most needed is for us to ask for the gift of patience and eyes to see the world and our lives as he sees them. Let us wait for his plan to unfold in patient trust, for his plan is always the best plan.
But those who wait on 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. (Isaiah 40:31, NKJV)
Prayer
Father, give us today the gift of patience, longing to be in your will and trusting that you are always at work, even when we cannot see it, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
Where are you most tempted in this season to rush ahead of God, failing to wait for his plan to unfold? Confess this to the Lord today, and ask him to settle your soul and steady your steps as you walk the road of patience and trust.
Related Reading
Psalm 27:14; Proverbs 3:5-6; James 5:7-8
Worship Resource
The Worship Initiative: Sovereign Over Us
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