Impatience or Patience? Genesis 16

Yesterday in service I made reference to Abram's and Sarai's impatience on account of the promise God had made to them about having an offspring. In my study time I was convicted that many times in life I find myself impatient with what is going on inside of me and around me. Another story we might be familiar with is Moses striking the rock and not speaking to it. Israel was thirsty and were complaining about it, so God told Moses to speak to this rock and water would come out. Out of frustration, Moses struck the rock and failed to speak to it. This failure to obey what God had said kept him out of the Promise Land. Impatience does not get you very far. So what is the difference between Patience and Impatience. How can we still pursue the call and mission of God under patience and control, without becoming impatient?

Definition of Impatience: An Irritation with anything that causes delay; and/or becoming restless with the desire for change and excitement.

Characteristics of Impatience:

* Fails to Remember God's Promises and Word (What Have You Said?)

* Fails to Consult God on Present Actions (What Should I Do?)

* Fails to Trust in God's Answer (Am I taking matters into my own hands?)

* Fails to think of Potential Consequences (What Will Happen if I ____?)

* Sometimes Fails to Treat others properly (Will this or my actions affect anyone negatively?)

* Leads to out-of-control busyness (Is this the best, or should I say no?)

* Reactions and not Responses;

- reactions are spur of the moment decisions that people act out without properly thinking of what they are or will be doing. People react all the time which leads to people leaving friendships and marriages. Reaction leads to anger and resentment and frustration. Reaction leads people to enter into complaining and grumbling mode. Reaction can lead to debt, especially if you react to the Tv add, or car ad, etc...

These are characteristics of impatience and what impatience can lead to. So what is patience? What is godly patience. Because I am not advocating that we do nothing. In Abraham's situation he and Sarai could have kept on having relations with one another as measure to bring about God's promise. Yet they stopped and Hagar entered into Abraham's room. Moses could have taken one deep breath, or hit the pause button, before he struck the rock.

What are specific areas we get impatience, frustrated and bent out of shape?

- Marriages

- Parenting

- Career/Vision

- Finances

- Relationships

- Singleness

- Busyness of life

- Health Problems

How can we become more Patience and less Impatient?

We need to make sure that we are constantly having time with the Lord. Reading His Word and praying. This makes sure that we stay in constant contact with Him and His Word. Live life in the Faith Lane. I say faith lane because many of us, including myself, like to live life in the fast lane. We want what we want and we want it now! But when it comes to living for God and living out His plan there are times where we might have to wait, and then there are times where it may come quickly. It is, many times than not, a mystery with the way God works in our lives. Have time with the Lord, Live Life in the Faith Lane. Third, always pause and ask God, if this is what He wants for you. Take time and talk to God specifically about what you want and what is on your heart. Spill your guts. Tell Him if you are frustrated. Tell Him if you are hurting. Tell Him if you are freaked out. And then begin to ask Him what He would have you specifically to do. Also, during this time it would also be wise to ask for godly counsel from those you trust. Make sure you don't go to someone who will tell you what you want to hear, but will be truthful and honest. Last, make sure what you are leaning towards will not inadvertently harm or hurt anyone, including God. In the case of Abraham and Sarai, Hagar and even Ishmael were hurt. In the case of Moses, God's name was hurt because of Moses' failure to fully listen. So, make sure that are actions will not cause harm or ill-intent on those around us.

Father, give us wisdom today that we may be patient to do those things that You would have us to do. May we not grow impatient in the areas of our life where we are the weakest, but may they be taken over by the Spirit of God that we might walk by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of sinful, impatient flesh. Continue the good work you have begun in each of us. May we give you glory today!