It Shouldn`t Take Long.
by Judith Whitehead
I have lost count how of many times I have said, “It shouldn`t take long”, when embarking on one of my ‘Do it yourself’, (DIY), projects. I am definitely no expert, but willing to have a go and try out my ‘skills’. However, I tend to find that the job in hand often takes twice or three times longer, or more, than expected, especially if things don’t go to plan.
I can reach the point of getting very frustrated, wanting to ‘throw in the towel’ and wishing I’d never started the job in the first place. I have had some successes, but many things, quite frankly, have just not worked out and been a complete waste of time. This results in me having to admit defeat, feeling exhausted from all the time and effort of a fruitless task.
It is wonderful to know that God never feels like this when He is working in my life. He is completely patient (never frustrated). He never gives up on me. His work never fails. It is never fruitless or a waste of time. He doesn’t end up exhausted or wish He’d never begun His work in me. He delights to work in me and through me, transforming me from the inside out by the power of His Holy Spirit, always for His glory, not mine.
Just as I can get impatient when I attempt my DIY and want to get the job over and done with as quickly as possible, I admit I can also get impatient when I feel God isn`t working in my life as quickly as I’d like Him to. However, real lasting change takes time. It’s not that God is unable to transform my life instantly. There are often hindrances on my part.
My will is often resistant. Unforgiveness of any kind will stand in the way until I deal with it, and other things can occupy my thoughts and my time. If I`m honest, I don`t always put God first as I should do. Being willing to let God do exactly what He wants in my life is paramount to any real progress. Although salvation happens one moment in time as we pass from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of light, having trusted in Jesus as Lord and Saviour, sanctification (being made perfect) is an ongoing process that will continue this side of eternity.
I need to be patient with myself, forgive myself when I fail and allow God to complete His work in me, (which He surely will). God is never in a hurry and His timing in all things is absolutely perfect. God actually already sees me as perfect in Christ because His blood covers all my sin. How amazing! What a wonderful Saviour!
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that You will complete the good work You have begun in me. Forgive me for my impatience. Today I come to You just as I am, and commit myself afresh to You and ask You to keep on working in my life by the power of Your Holy Spirit, till every single part of me belongs to You. Amen.
Judith Whitehead Judith is married to Dougie and they have one son. Judith loves spending time with her family, including two gorgeous grandchildren and being outdoors walking in the countryside. Judith lives locally to Ellel Grange and is a part of the creativity team at Ellel Grange. Judith has a deep desire to encourage others and to help believers and unbelievers come to a place of knowing God personally and deeply for themselves.
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