“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)

Frank my miniature horse has been quite impatient lately.

And just how does a horse show impatience? Well, let me tell you. Last week when I went out to clean the corral and feed the livestock, Frank obviously was not happy that he was not being fed immediately. Thus, he came up behind me, grabbed the hood of my parka in his teeth and tried to pull me toward the feed barn. I was not impressed and reached back, smacking his nose, which in turn, he was not impressed with and he stalked off in a huff.

A few days later, he wanted me to let him out of the corral when I went in to do chores. I told him no, and to back up from the gate which he did begrudgingly. Later, as I was exiting the corral he followed right upon my heels. I undid the chain and squeezed through blocking his way. In turn, as I reached back through the gate to pull the chain through to secure it, he looked me dead in the eye and in his annoyance he bit my hand. Thankfully I had just put on a new pair of lined leather mitts so his temper tantrum did nothing more than give me a pinch. I spoke sharply to him letting him know how inappropriate his action was and that now that winter was here, he knew he could not just go out of the corral anytime he felt it. He was definitely not impressed and whacked the gate with his nose.

Often, I am definitely not impressed either with some of God’s decisions concerning how long I have to wait for an answer to prayer or a change within mine or someone else’s situation. Like the Israelites who in Psalm 40:27b, complained that their way was hidden from the Lord; that their cause was disregarded by Him, within myself I question God, and not always in the humblest and most respectful way as to why He isn’t doing something now…like right now…this very minute. And yet, like me with Frank, God simply goes about His business. Not because He does not notice us or care, but because He knows the right and the best time to make His answers known to us.

“For do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV)

Feeling a little impatient and out of sorts, because God is not doing what you think He should be doing for you right now? If so, remember Frank and take a step back in humility from your own impatience and choose instead to continue, by faith to wait upon the Lord. You’ll be glad you did for His answers always come at just the right time and in just the right ways.

Prayer: Father in Heaven, how glad we are that You are the Lord, the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. You never grow tired or weary and Your understanding no one can fathom. Give us the strength we need to not weary of our hope in You, in regards to the timing of Your decisions and answers to our prayers. In Christ’s name we ask. Amen.

Lynne Phipps
Atlin, British Columbia, Canada