Encouragement for when you need more patience

I’m just a surfer
waiting
for the next wave
of grace.

I’m just a surfer
praying
for the strength to
catch it.

As humans with goals, there’s only so much we can do.  We’re affected by circumstances beyond our control like other people’s choices, world events and even our giftedness. Though it’s important for us to be proactive and hard working, largely what happens in life depends on God’s grace.

That’s okay though! Because God loves us and has our best interests at heart. Jesus told Saint Paul “My grace is sufficient for you.” At times when we’re not receiving the outcomes, opportunities or abilities we would like, we have a choice to either give up or stand in hope, knowing we’ve done our part.

When we keep hope, we’re like surfers waiting for the next wave of opportunity that we can catch. Do we have the strength? Do we have the courage? Do we have the eyes to see which wave is meant for us? Do we have the patience to persevere when we can’t seem to catch one for the life of us?  Do we have the fortitude to bounce back, even when we’ve been pummeled by one giant wave after another? Those are all attributes we can develop, while we’re waiting for God’s grace to carry us on the ride of a lifetime.

St. Peter said “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” His timing doesn’t always make sense to us, but the Lord is worth waiting for. And the funny thing is! Even when we catch a wave of grace, we wind up right back where we started – wading in deep water, standing in faith, waiting patiently for the next one to come along, praying for the strength to catch it.

God, give us the strength and courage to say Yes to every wave of grace You send our way. When things aren’t going our way, help us cultivate patience, perseverance, strength and discernment to know Your will for our lives. Fill us with Your love, and move us to glorify you with our lives. In Jesus name we pray, Amen. 

What grace are you waiting for right now? Comment below, and I’ll be happy to keep you in my prayers! 

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