Why is it when we don’t get what we want when we want it we lose our patience with God? Why is that? Are we just impatient people? I know that’s the case with me. In my mind, if God has promised to give me something, there shouldn’t be a waiting period.
And when God doesn’t give us what we want when we want it, we start thinking that He doesn’t care. And that He’s a liar. Because there are so many verses all throughout the Bible that talk about how God provides and how God gives good gifts to His children.
Like today’s verse. Today’s verse is Romans 8:32.
32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?
Well, if you read the entirety of Romans 8, you’ll see just what God has given us. He’s given us His Spirit to help us survive this broken, messed up world. He’s given us hope. He’s given us love. And He’s given us a family–a relationship with Him and with other people who believe in Him. And when the end comes, we will go to be with Him face-to-face.
Jesus is God’s most precious gift, and He gave us Jesus. It was God who sent Jesus to the cross for us. It was God who punished Him for our sins.
So if God was willing to sacrifice what was most precious to Him–why wouldn’t He give us anything else? Especially if we’re being careful to do what He’s asked us. Yet time and time again, when He calls us to go somewhere and we ask Him for something, many times He doesn’t give it to us.
So why?
And I’m not even talking about things that are bad for us. These are things that would help us. Financial support. Good health. Supportive friendships. Food to eat. Why wouldn’t He allow us to have those things if we are doing what He’s asked us to do?
It’s a good question.
But then, here’s another good question. Would you give a loaded gun to a three year old? Or would you give a child some powerful medication and expect him to know when to take it and how much to take? Would you let a five year old drive your car alone?
Those are all facetious, of course. Any thinking adult wouldn’t put that kind of responsibility on a child. Guns and medication and cars can all be used for good, but you have to know how to use them. And children don’t necessarily understand that. And if you don’t know how to use those good things, they can cause bad things to happen.
And I personally believe that is the reason God doesn’t always give us what we ask for. He could definitely do it. But what would happen if He gave us the things we wanted when we wanted them? It would be too much. And we wouldn’t know how to use what He’s given, and it would overwhelm us.
Now, I don’t know about you, but I’ve wanted some things that wouldn’t have been good for me. I’ve wanted some things that would have made me leave the path He put me on. I wanted some things that if He had given them to me, I might have left Him.
But I also want some things that would bring honor and glory to God. I want some things that definitely won’t make me rich but have the possibility to lead more people to Christ. So why is He waiting to give me these things?
The only explanation is that I’m not ready. Or the time isn’t right. Or He still has some work to do on what I want.
I don’t know why we weak, puny humans have the idea that we know what’s best for us. It’s probably pride. Maybe misguided spirituality. Usually religion. In any case, it comes down to whether or not was trust God to do what is best.
God didn’t spare even His own Son. So of cousre, He’s going to give us everything. But it will be in God’s timing and not our own. And isn’t that better? I mean, after all, His timing is perfect because time means nothing to Him. He knows what’s coming. He knows what’s been. He knows what is. So isn’t it better to trust He really does know what He’s doing?
So if you’re waiting for God to give you something, don’t lose hope. And don’t be impatient. Because when God does decide the time is right, you’ll get everything you’ve asked for and more. So much more than you can imagine. And it will mean so much more to you because ten years later you’ll be able to look back and see why God did things the way He did. And you’ll be thankful you didn’t give up.
Always Peachy 