Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - July/89

Contributor - Nellie S. From

Title - Patience And Today

Topic - Editorial

Some of you may know that my husband and I purchased a building lot in the town of Innerkip, located just five minutes drive from Woodstock, Ontario. It's our version of "paradise" located on a quiet cul-de-sac overlooking a small lake. The contractor who Will build our house has been chosen, the plans are complete and we simply await the sale of our present house before construction begins.

It seems that the Lord has decided to use this time of waiting to do some major construction work on ME. I am having to learn to be patient, rest in Him and wait for His perfect timing in selling our house. Oh but why can't God speed things up! This waiting is just so hard.

We put up the "For Sale" sign in late March, totally confident that by May lst the transaction would be complete. I even went about the daily ritual of cleaning, tidying, and wiping, undaunted knowing that the housing market was booming and our house would be snatched up. Well a dozen open houses, two offers, and four months later, I am still cleaning, tidying and wiping and most of all W G! I have been riding an emotional roller coaster fluctuating between excitement and optimism, disappointment, frustration and resignation.

I confided my feelings to a woman in our church who recently sold her house and she assured me that God knew all about my situation. He knew what the future held and in His time and plan for me the house would be sold.

"So what on earth is He waiting for?" I asked. "Why can't He just hurry up!"

"Be patient," she told me, "and pray a lot."

"But I am patient," I insisted. "I just can't figure out what is taking so long."

Do you see why the "Builder" has been working on His construction project first? I thought I was the most patient person in the world and I am as long as I don't have to wait for anything. I have prayed over and over again, "Lord you sell this house and yet have been unwilling to accept His timing - giving my burden to I-Em and then imposing my time limits on Ms answer and His plan. Oh how human this frame is!

As I have been looking ahead with anticipation to the future - the move, a new house, a small town instead of a city, QUIETNESS instead of sirens, stars instead of street lights, - the Lord has also quietly but deliberately asked, "What about today dear daughter, what about now? What about the joys of small kisses and hugs, of smiles and laughter, of faltering steps as little bare feet dy beach for the first time, of childish glee as your children splash and play watered the earth? What about the pleasures of being a wife and sharing and I chose for you, and of making your house a home?

"What about the beautiful blooms I have fashioned for you as you diligently tend your gardens. What about the joys of hearing the early morning song of a cardinal, watching the scurrying of the squirrel, seeing the colourful farewell wave of the setting sun, the promise of a new day"

"What about TODAY my child. Study and do not forget my words in Matthew 6:19-24."

I am not an easy piece of clay to mold. It seems it is taking me so very long to learn to be patient and appreciate the moments the Lord has given. I know the lesson is not yet learned because I still catch myself telling people that I can hardly wait to sell the house, and move, and now and then there are still feelings of discontent and impatience.

I do know however that the Lord will continue His construction project because His Word promises that , "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil. 1:6; "for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Phil. 2:13.

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