Patience and Self-Control: Waiting on God’s Timing
Mar 14, 2025Hey, y’all!
Waiting is hard. Whether it’s waiting for an answered prayer, a breakthrough, or a season to change, patience doesn’t come naturally to most of us.
We live in a world that celebrates instant gratification—fast food, overnight shipping, immediate answers. But God doesn’t operate on our schedules. His timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t make sense to us.
That’s why patience and self-control go hand in hand. If we don’t practice self-control in our impatience, we can rush ahead of God, make poor choices, and end up settling for less than His best.
God’s Timing Is Always Better
One of the greatest reminders of this comes from Ecclesiastes 3:11:
"He has made everything beautiful in its time."
Not our time. His.
Sometimes, God delays things because:
- He’s preparing us for what’s ahead.
- He’s aligning circumstances in ways we can’t see.
- He’s teaching us dependence on Him rather than our own plans.
Abraham and Sarah had to wait decades for their promised son. Joseph waited in a prison cell before stepping into his God-given leadership. Even Jesus waited for the right time to begin His ministry.
If they could trust God’s timing, so can we.
Why Self-Control Is Key to Patience
When we lack patience, we start taking matters into our own hands. That’s where self-control comes in. It stops us from acting impulsively and keeps us aligned with God’s plan.
Proverbs 16:32 says:
"Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city."
That means self-control isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. It helps us wait faithfully instead of acting recklessly.
How to Cultivate Patience and Self-Control While Waiting
1. Stay Rooted in God’s Promises
When you’re waiting, hold onto Scripture.
Isaiah 40:31 reminds us:
"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength."
God’s promises sustain us when waiting feels impossible.
2. Resist the Temptation to Rush
If you’re tempted to take shortcuts or force a situation, pause and pray.
Psalm 27:14 says:
"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"
Waiting isn’t wasted time—it’s preparation time.
3. Choose Gratitude Over Frustration
Instead of focusing on what’s missing, thank God for what He’s already done. A grateful heart shifts our perspective from waiting to trusting.
4. Stay Faithful in the Present
Sometimes we’re so focused on what’s next that we neglect what God is doing now. Stay faithful in the little things, and trust that He’s working behind the scenes.
5. Lean on the Holy Spirit
Patience isn’t natural—but the Holy Spirit produces it in us. If you’re struggling to wait, ask Him for strength.
Final Thoughts
Y’all, God’s timing is never late. Even when we don’t understand it, He is working for our good.
So if you’re in a season of waiting, don’t rush ahead of Him. Trust, pray, and practice self-control. His plan is always worth the wait.
What’s one area where God is teaching you patience?
Stay patient, stay faithful, and stay surrendered to Him!
