Sitting at the drive-through window at a fast food restaurant a while back, I did the usual thing ... I drove up to the speaker and placed my order. I drove to the first window and paid, then drove to the second window and waited for my order. After sitting there for a few minutes, the clerk slid back the window and said, "Will you please pull over to the side; your order is not ready."

I was a little upset, but I pulled over and waited wondering what could be taking so long. Other customers drove straight through yet there I sat for what seemed to be eternity before the clerk finally ran out, tapped on the window and handed me the order.

Of course I asked her what took so long. "You wanted the special sauce which meant your sandwich required special handling; it doesn't usually come with that one.

This scene reminds me of our prayer life. We make our requests known to the Lord. The menu is His Word where He has given us His promises, explained the cost (the conditions we must meet to receive the promises), and He assures us that He will give us the desires of our heart. But if God doesn't answer immediately or meet our expectations, we become impatient.

"Lord, I prayed yesterday, and You still haven't answered. I can't wait much longer. Why is it taking You so long?"

Others around us are seeing their prayers answered. God is moving in their lives. Yet, it appears we've been overlooked or neglected. Then, just when we think things are about to work out and our prayer has been answered, He pulls back the royal curtain of eternity: "Please pull over to the side and wait a while longer; I'm not finished yet!"

On this particular day it frustrated me to no end until the clerk brought out my sandwich. I was in a hurry and didn't have time to wait. But, the revelation became clear: The answer I was waiting for was custom made for me and since I made a request, and He only gives good and perfect things, it will come in His time and not mine. Custom-made answers from God take time because they are prepared in a way that is perfect for us.

Maybe the "parable" isn't perfect, but I believe God's message to us is clear. How often have we missed our blessings because we did not wait?

Have patience. Keep on waiting. You made a request, now wait on God's answer. He knows the need and He has the answer!

"But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

They who wait shall receive an answer!

Father, forgive me for my impatience. So often I pray and, because of my anxiousness, I become frustrated and begin to doubt. As simple as this parable was, Lord, it showed me where my lack of trust in You has often cost me a special blessing from You. Forgive me, Lord, and help me to remember that all things are done in Your time, that You see the bigger picture and know what I need when I need it. Help me remember that Your ways are higher than mine and that Your love for me never fails. Lord, I want to trust You more, I want to love You more, I want more of You! Amen!

"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." (Psalm 27:17)

© Jan Ross
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