The tree is trimmed, adorned with a star atop; the halls are decked with lights and colored bows. Carols play and the sweet smells of cinnamon and pine fill the air. If your home is blessed with small children, the wait for Christmas Day is full of anticipation, and that waiting time can become excruciating as their innocent impatience grows thin. We hear ourselves repeating, “not yetâ€�, or even redirecting their focus to other activities that can be just as fulfilling. We adults can relate because we’ve all had to practice patience at some point. Have you heard the saying, “Patience is a Virtueâ€�? It’s not just a saying; it's listed as a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). 

Sometimes God wants to help us build up our patience; increased patience builds our character and makes us more like Jesus. Christmas, the celebration of the birth of our Savior, is a perfect time to strive to be more like Jesus! God desires that we learn to trust Him. He wants us to lean on him completely. The more we trust His wisdom and His plan the quicker we are to settle into the “not yetâ€� moments. Just as that child at Christmas knows that great things are to come, believe that God has great things in store for you. Waiting for anything can bring uncertainty. Impatiently waiting for God to answer a prayer or plea robs us of the joy of seeking Him in the “waiting processâ€�. We miss out on the beauty of the decorations and the cheerful atmosphere when we allow our impatience to rule our day. Instead, turn your waiting over to God. Set your sight on God's kingdom first (Mat. 6:33) and the wondrous gifts He has in store for you. God will often tell us to wait; He may say “not yetâ€�. He often has to redirect our focus for a little while and give us a new one â€" one that can be just as fulfilling. When we put His kingdom first we're more sensitive to His plan for us during this waiting time. Waiting patiently keeps our hearts humble and turned toward God and the anticipation of His arrival is priceless!

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You have greater plans in store for me than I can even imagine. I await Your arrival with joy. Help me to be patient and enjoy each of your blessings as they come to me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1.    Psalm 37:7a (ESV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.