It's hard to admit and realize that I didn't seek and trust the Lord at all times. For many years, I didn't seek the Lord's plans. I sought my plans and wants. I was so tied up in my timeline, I didn't even leave room for God to be God. It was hard for me to realize and admit years ago that my impatience led me to making a BIG decision.
I graduated with my PhD in Dec of 2007. My plan in 2004 was to purchase a home right after graduation. And as soon as I had my graduation party, I called a realtor and began the process. (ok I waited until February).
In August of 2008 I moved into my house!! My home is lovely. I’ve hosted many events, meetings, parties, family holiday gatherings and more. But there's one thing. When I selected my home I didn’t love it. I liked it, it was in my price range, and it was available.
I had been house hunting for over 6 months, bid on 2 homes and was out bid on both. A bid was accepted on what I thought was my dream home which actually turned out to have many foundation issues. I loved this house so much that I was willing to have the issues fixed but the inspector told me to run (that will preach! Ok another message for another day).
I was getting impatient.
My realtor located an amazing house that was a little out of my price range, so I passed. Then my realtor called me about a great home that was just put on the market. She told me that it would sell fast and she was right. Many people were interested. The home was very nice. However it wasn't in a city that I wanted, it had too much yard, and other things. I didn't love it. I liked it. So I put a bid on it. I thought--I can get over that stuff I don't like.
I chose it because I WAS TIRED OF LOOKING and was ready for my own house.
I remember when I got the call informing me that the house was mine, being most excited about having my own place. Not the house in itself.
You know what I didn’t do??
I DIDN'T PRAY ABOUT MY HOUSE. I didn’t ask the Lord if I should purchase this home. To be totally honest, I didn’t seek God at all during the house hunting process. I was so ready to have my own house. I wanted what I wanted when I wanted it.
The plan was always to begin looking for a house as soon as I graduated with my PhD. And I sure did that. I didn't want to be a 27/28 year old still living with my mom. I failed to fully appreciate what I had at that time, mainly a place to live RENT FREE, an opportunity to save more money, ability to be with my mom and more. I'm sure I missed some awesome things that were going on BECAUSE I WAS SO FOCUSED ON GETTING A HOUSE. And who cares if I was 28. I cared too much about what I thought others might think. Now this is much more than about my home. This made me see some of my other decisions that were due to impatience. Because most of the times we don't just settle in one area.
From time to time I’ve wondered how things might have been if I would have looked for a few more months, sought the Lord, been patient, not focused so much on my deadline and not settled. And you know what? God is so sovereign and gives us so much grace.
Since realizing this about 4 years ago, I have prayed about this and tried to be aware of times I may settle. I've asked God to show me how He wants me to use this story and also use my home.
I am very thankful for my home. I am not complaining by any means. I know how blessed I am. The truth is -My impatience and not seeking the Lord did lead me to settling. Have I ever just loved my home. The truth is No. I've been so thankful though.
I wonder how many of you are about to make a decision based on your impatience.
It might not be a house, but it may be something else—that Job, that school, that relationship, that hair style, that church, that book publisher, that employee. Be sure to pray and make sure your impatience isn’t what’s guiding you. Don't settle. Allow God to lead you. If you haven't talked to Him, talk to Him. There are reasons for delays and detours! Remember that!
I wonder how many of you can relate to me.
I am not talking about perfection but am talking obedience. I am talking about learning to trust God's timing and plans and not ours. Have you confessed to the Lord? Have you seen Him turn things around? Have you been grateful even though you might have settled? Are there any changes you need to make? Have you seen him provide even though we didn't trust?
With this, I would like to provide 10 tips for Overcoming Impatience:
10 Tips for Overcoming Impatience (Do you want Good or Amazing?)
Impatience: noun 1.lack of patience. 2.eager desire for relief or change; restlessness. 3.intolerance of anything that thwarts, delays, or hinders.
1. Seek God Always--Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:
2. Determine how your wants and goals fit in with your Kingdom purpose----
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15
3. Don't Settle - Do you want Good or Great? Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him James 1:12
4. Breathe. It's ok if you're not in control.--Be Still and know I am God Psalm 46:10
5. Trust and Remember that God's plans are perfect--For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope. Jer 29:11
6. Don't worry about what others are saying --The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe Proverbs 29:25
7. Seek Guidance --Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22
8. Remember there is always purpose in the delays--For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. Habakkuk 2:3The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
9. Be grateful for Today--Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus 1 Thessalonians 5:18
10. Don't Worry--Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble Matt 6:34.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
BONUS 11. Be truthful with the Lord. Tell Him your wants, frustrations, desires and more. Tell Him if you are even angry with Him. He can handle it. Tell Him what is at the root of your impatience. See above scripture and Psalm 55:22---Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.
© Dr. Kristen Guillory and Kristenguillory.com, 2014-2016. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Dr. Kristen Guillory and kristenguillory.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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