Impatiently Praying for Patience

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

It never ceases to amaze me at how sincere faith-filled prayers and patience can alter your perspective and how you act or react to something.

Years back, I had contracted a window company to rip out all the windows of our home and replace them with new ones. They were 18 years old and in poor shape. The company owner told me his crew could start the job the following Monday. I asked him to please have his manager and crew show up on an agreed upon day by 7:00 am in the morning. Renee and I both had to leave the house early for work that day and we wanted to go over everything with the crew chief so that the communication was clear and our expectations of the result were on the same page.

Renee and I were up earlier than normal that day to be ready for the crew. They never showed up. At 7:30 am when they had not arrived, I called to make sure they were coming. The manager was embarrassed and very apologetic. They had just made a mistake in their scheduling. I told him, “Don’t worry about it. It’s no problem but please have them show up on Wednesday morning instead and please have the men arrive by 7:00 a.m. My wife and I have to get to work early. I want to be here to let them in and go over the job with them before I left for work.” He understood and assured me they would be there on time.

Again, Renee and I were up early and ready for work and for the crew, but, the crew did not show up. I told Renee to go ahead and leave for church. I would wait for them to come. At 8:00 am they still weren’t there and I really needed to leave. At 8:10 a.m. I called the company to see if they were coming. The manager said they were on the way. By the grace of God, I stayed calm. I told him I had to leave for work and that I would have to leave the door to our porch open. He assured me they would be there any minute.

I waited ten more minutes and they still weren’t there. I could feel my body heat rising and was starting to feel very upset. Suddenly the Lord had reminded me of my Fresh Manna verse that I had been meditating on that morning. “… be patient toward all men.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14) I was determined that I was not going to let the devil knock me off course for the day. These words from God would sustain me!

I went to our picture window at the front of the house, looked out and began to pray for the men of the crew that were coming. I prayed for their safety. I prayed for their well-being. I prayed for the job that they would do. I prayed that I would be patient with them. As I began to pray for these things, it was like something lifted. I no longer felt angry with them. I knew they would get there. I knew they’d figure out how to get to the windows through the open porch door. A peace came over me because of praying and asking God to bless them and enable them to do an excellent job.

When I got home at 10:00 pm from church that night, all but two windows had been replaced. They were ahead of schedule and doing a great job. I almost left for work somewhat frustrated and angry and ready to cancel the job. I was so glad I traded frustration for prayer. Instead, by praying in faith over the job and the crew, it set me back into the position of patience, faith, and peace. I was so blessed praying that I continued to pray all the way to church.

It’s so important to properly deal with what the Bible describes in Ephesians 6 as “fiery darts of the enemy.” Satan tries to trigger us multiple times daily so that he can steal our faith, patience, and joy. The Holy Spirit helped me “be patient toward all men” that day. He helped keep my heart and attitude right, and kept me more Christ-like in my witness before others! My impatient prayer for patience was rewarded with patience and amazing workmanship that has blessed us to this day! Glory to God.

Luke 21:19 (NKJV) “By your patience possess your souls.”

In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt

If Fresh Manna is a blessing to you, I’d love to know. Click here: FreshMannaFeedback

If your heart has been touched by God’s love through Fresh Manna, would you like to help Pastor Tim reach others also? Please prayerfully consider donating. No gift is too small.