Where would we be if it were not for the patience of God in our regard? Great patience is required on our behalf in order to allow God to shape us into the image of His Son Jesus Christ (cf Ro. 8:29). This takes time. A.W. Pink, in his wonderful book 'Spiritual Growth,' likens the process to the growth of a tree--steady, but almost imperceptible. One writer put it this way: 'When God ripens apples, He isn't in a hurry and doesn't make a noise.'
Spiritual growth can be difficult to wait on. We want to charge ahead and transform ourselves according to our time tables. Often, this will only end in frustration. Martin Luther captures the idea of patiently allowing God to work in us according to His time frame when he writes:
'Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for Him. In Hebrew, 'Be silent in God, and let Him mold thee.' Keep still, and He will mold thee to the right shape.' This can be hard to do, especially if His process of shaping you involves something painful. If that is your situation today, allow me to encourage you, 'Be still;' rest in Him. Let Him do the work. Trust that He will bring it to a conclusion only after He has used it to make you look more like His Son.
Charles Seymour Robinson wrote, 'There are times when God asks nothing of His children except silence, patience and tears.' Trust Him. Wait in Him. Rest in His sovereign grace. |
