Patience In Prayer
Patience is something we all struggle with. In a society of next day delivery, fast food, order ahead, fiber internet, and self-checkout, patience has become a quality less and less exercised. When we have a need, or a want we expect to get it right away. If we are not careful, a lack of patience can creep its way into our prayer life. Instead of spending time with our Saviour, we hurry through lists. Instead of waiting on the Lord, trusting in His timing, and seeking His Will above our own, we become discouraged and disappointed in prayer. As a result, less and less time is spent in prayer.
Isaiah 40:31 tells us "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew theirstrength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." In Matthew 6 while teaching His followers how to pray Jesus said "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." When it comes to prayer, God’s Will and God’s timing are more important than our own, because God is the only one who truly knows what is best for every situation.
It can be easy to feel that God is not working as fast as we would like, or in the way we would prefer, but God knows best. As we listen to the news and drama in our world each day the temptation can be to question God. Why won’t He hurry up and do something? Always remember that God’s way and timing is best. Isaiah 55:9 tells us "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
In December of 1944, the Germany Army made one last all-out offensive against the Allied Forces in France. Sneaking through the fog and forests, the German Army led by the elite SS Panzer Division burst across American lines advancing rapidly towards the port city of Antwerp. Their hope was to cut off American and British supplies and reinforcements from being ship over from England. Due to the terrible weather, General Patton was unable to advance quickly, and his planes were unable to fly. He sent out a prayer to all the troops in his command to pray.
"Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee, of Thy great goodness, to restrain these immoderate rains with which we have had to contend. Grant us fair weather for Battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call upon Thee that, armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory, and crush the oppression and wickedness of our enemies and establish Thy justice among men and nations."
To General Patton’s frustration, there was no change in weather for days. All the while German tanks, and troop continued to advance deeper and deeper into Allied territory. Why would God allow the weather to benefit such an evil and wicked regime as the Nazis? Patton grew frustrated. What Patton did not realize in the moment was God knew far better. Finally, after several days the weather cleared. The Americans counter attacked in full force catching the Germans completed over extended. To Patton’s delight, many of the German’s best tanks were abandoned, because they had advanced so far past their supply lines they had run out of fuel.
As the Germans started a full retreat, Patton had his driver stop at an abandoned church building. He marched up to the altar and prayed one more prayer.
"Sir, this is Patton again, and I beg to report complete progress. Sir it seems to me that You have been much better informed about the situation than I was, because it was that awful weather, which I cursed You so much, which made it possible for the German Army to commit suicide. That Sir was a brilliant military move and I bow humbly to Your supreme genius."
Never forget, though it may seem God is not working how we want, or as quick as we would like, He always knows what is best. His timing is always perfect. It is our responsibility to be patient in prayer.
