When God Puts You on Hold – Part 1

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

We’ve been dubbed ‘the microwave generation’ for good reason — we charge through life like we’re on fire! But God has His own timetable and it can’t be rushed. So when He puts you on hold, watch your words. Like a small rudder on a big ship, what you say determines your direction and helps stop wrong thoughts from infiltrating your mind. Mel Weldon said, ‘My mind is a garden, my thoughts are the seeds; my harvest will be either flowers or weeds.’ Ask God to help you control your emotions. Paul says, ‘Be glad for all God is planning…Be patient in trouble…and prayerful always.’ Complaining magnifies the problem. Prayer turns negative energy into a powerful force for good. Look for the humor in it. Solomon said, ‘…he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast’ (Proverbs 15:15). Laughter dispels tension, lightens the burden and fills your soul with joy. Appreciate the chance to learn. The Chinese view problems as prospects; in their culture the character/symbol for problems and opportunities is the same. Solomon said, ‘…the diligent make use of everything…’ (Proverbs 12:27). Learn from your experience regardless of how hard it is, and remember, some of the world’s greatest discoveries and breakthroughs resulted from crises. Love unconditionally. Problems are caused by people, and under pressure it’s tempting to lash out. The bottom line is: we all make mistakes, and nobody is beyond redemption. Aren’t you glad about that? Learn to see people through God’s eyes. ‘…Overcome evil with good’ (Romans 12:21). Be courteous, and maintain your dignity when you’re under pressure (Romans 12:10). God sees you through eyes of love. He forgives you when your tongue says wrong things, when you fail to love others. His love and forgiveness picks you up and empowers you to try again, to love as He loves you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me be patient when my timing is different than Your timing. You always win out so from the get-go help me surrender to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen