TUESDAY, JUNE 22
Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Psalm 27:14 (ESV)
THE LEADERSHIP OF A FATHER: PATIENCE
The story is told of a young boy who was driving a big hayrack down the road and it turned over right in front of a farmer’s house. The farmer came out and saw the young boy crying and said, “Son, don’t worry about this, we can fix it. Right now dinner’s ready. Why don’t you come in and eat with us and then I’ll help you put the hay back on the rack.”
The boy said, “No, I can’t. My father is going to be very angry with me.” The farmer said, “Now don’t argue, just come in and have some dinner and you’ll feel better.” The boy said, “I’m just afraid my father is going to be very angry with me.” The farmer and the young boy went inside and had dinner. Afterwards, as they walked outside to the hayrack, the farmer said, “Well, don’t you feel better now?” The boy said, “Yes, but I just know that my father will be very angry with me.” The farmer said, “Nonsense. Where is your father anyway?” The boy said, “He’s under that pile of hay.”
At times, being a father requires a lot of patience. In the sermon, Daniel defined patience as “content waiting on God’s timing.” We learned from David in Psalm 27:14 that there are times we are going to have to wait on God. That waiting period will require strength and courage. We find that strength and courage when we remind ourselves of God’s wisdom and perfect timing. It comes from a confidence in God and His plan.
Reflection
When was the last time you tried to take a shortcut instead of waiting on God’s timing? How did that work out?
Praise
Ask God to grow your confidence in His timing and give you the gift of contentment while you wait. Pray specifically for the patience you need with the young people God is asking you to lead.
