Many years ago, I was on my way to church orchestra rehearsal when I was stopped by a train. The train was slowly moving north, and it was not a short train. As I watched with frustration, the train slowed to a complete stop. I executed a U-turn and took about a three- or four-mile detour to an adjacent road to the south. Surely, this would be the fastest way to get around the train. I commended myself for quick thinking.

When I arrived at the railroad crossing on the adjacent road, I realized the train had switched directions and was now crawling slowly toward the south. I was aghast. The train had blocked me again, while the railroad crossing I had first encountered was probably clear. Sighing, I retraced my route. I finally got across the railroad crossing, but I was late to orchestra rehearsal.

I scolded myself. If I had only been patient, I could have sat only a short time before the train changed directions and moved out of my way. I would not have been late. I was reminded the fruit of the Spirit, listed in Galatians 5:22-23, is characterized by “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” I had not exhibited patience.

When God told him he would have many descendants, Abraham did not have patience either. He took matters in his own hands, and the results were disastrous. Abraham, like many of us, should have waited on God’s perfect timing, as we are told in Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

I still tend to be impatient, years after the train incident. After all, quick results are demanded in our era. I have a microwave oven, a remote-controlled television, a smart phone, and an automobile. Our culture is fond of instant gratification—not waiting. It’s hard to be patient, even tempting to expect our prayers should be answered immediately.

Lamentations speaks on the subject: “The Lord is good to those who await Him, to the person who seeks Him.” (Lamentations 3:25)

Yet those who wait for the Lord

Will gain new strength;

They will mount up with wings like eagles,

They will run and not get tired,

They will walk and not become weary. – Isaiah 40:31