This is probably one of worst things to hear when you're running late or when you've been traveling for 24 hours or even when you're tired from a long day/week at work. It causes us to become frustrated, agitated, and probably some other not so good descriptors. But do we ever thank God for those delays or ask Him what to do in those times?
Today, I got stuck on the train, due to a medical emergency. I was not upset or anything because I did not really have any time constraints (#summerbreak), but I could tell that other commuters were frustrated, only thinking about their own situations. But what about the person that needed medical attention? I have to admit that, while I wasn't frustrated at the time, it had not crossed my mind to pray for the person; I just wanted to know what was going on (I paused writing here in order to say a prayer of healing for that person; talk about conviction!). After a few minutes of waiting, God reminded me that I needed to go to my bank and deposit some cash. I was carrying around a larger amount than normal, and I had forgotten about it. My bank tends to be out of the way, but it was at this particular train stop. And I just had to just say, "Thank You, Lord."
You might be thinking, "Go to the bank? That's the big revelation from God during your delay?" I know this might seem like something small, but it was with this small occurrence that God revealed something so big to me. What if I had been in a rush? What if I was frustrated and complaining? I can bet $100 that if God was speaking, I would not have been able to hear Him. I don't know about you, but I don't want to miss out on what God is trying to tell me because I was too busy being frustrated.
So, the next time you're frustrated or agitated, stop and thank God. Talk to Him, and He will definitely help to calm your worries. What He's trying to say might surprise you.
July 31, 2019