"And not only this, but we too, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit [a joyful indication of the blessings to come], even we groan inwardly, as we wait eagerly for [the sign of] our adoption as sons—the redemption and transformation of our body [at the resurrection]. For in this hope we were saved [by faith]. But hope [the object of] which is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait eagerly for it with patience and composure." Romans 8:23-26

No doubt you're familiar with the saying, "Patience is a virtue." It's a scriptural truth. When we receive Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit enables us to be people of patience. Scripture says patience is for our benefit and shapes us to be more like Christ. The world however teaches us otherwise! Oh, does it teach us otherwise! Pull into any fast-food line and seconds later your feasting. Text a friend, and in mere moments enjoy their response. Order something from Amazon and hours later have it delivered to your doorstep. We certainly aren’t living in a culture that inspires patience.

Unfortunately, this trend has conditioned some of us spiritually as well. We know full well that we serve an omnipotent God, able to answer our prayers immediately and immediately adjust our circumstances. We also know He is good and always works for our good. This coupled knowledge can create a tug of war in our hearts and minds sometimes, can't it? When honest, we desire the answer to our prayer, now. While patience is indeed a virtue, waiting on God is sometimes arduous. Whether you've prayed for healing, weight loss, breakthrough, babies, relationship, or revelation, being patient and trusting God's timing can be difficult. I'd just like to encourage you today by reminding you that God is always working on behalf of our greatest good. Sometimes He allows us to wait for an answer to help refine us. Sometimes He may be working on someone else's situation before our answer can come. Sometimes He may be helping us to grow in and perfect our faith. If you're in the waiting room of life right now, take heart. God has heard your prayer and He is always at work! He never rests, and He's never late.

Take solace in the words of the Psalms that say, "I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"