One day as I was on a walk, I overheard two people talking. As I passed them I one said “I like things that are fast & easy. If it’s not fast and easy…..” his voice faded out as I walked ahead but that phrase struck me. Living these days in modern America has become extremely comfortable. Delivery services and online ordering make things easily accessible, fast, and easy. This isn’t wrong, it’s very convenient actually, but I think the problem runs deeper.
Things that last, things that matter, and things that are valuable are seldom (if EVER) fast and easy. I think there’s a reason for that. Time, hard work, dedication and a little faith add value to goals, dreams, and relationships.
This concept of FAITH, waiting and enduring for something, applies to so many areas of life. Fighting and training for one thing. Just this morning I talked to a friend about how it can be hard to not be discouraged when I look back on goals I’d hoped to accomplish in 1 year, and 3-4 years later I’m still working on them.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1
I think of faith as believing before seeing.
But will we make the effort to create truly valuable things? And do we have the patience to build a great relationship? Do we have the commitment to endure when it takes longer than we hoped? It may take a lot more effort, time, and commitment than you first expected. It takes faith.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
Maybe it’s not about achieving the goal necessarily, but who you become and what you learn in the process. Maybe it’s just about learning to have FAITH. period.
“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.”
Hebrews 11:8
In my walk with Jesus there’s nothing more strengthening and reassuring for me than to look back at the hardest, darkest days, and see how God used those times to grow me. The prayers I’ve had answered right away are always exciting, but it’s the prayers I’ve prayed for years (some I’m still praying) that are meaningful, that test my patience, but grow my faith. It doesn’t matter if I never see the result I was hoping for, it’s enough to know that God cares and knows, and He’s going to do what’s best. Waiting taking two things: Faith and Patience.
“That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6: 12
The best thing we can do is take each day at a time, enjoy them as they come. Stop waiting for the “answer” you’re hoping for or the “goal” you’re waiting to achieve to feel complete. It’s not answered prayers, it’s not fulfillment or a dream, or achieving a goal that satisfies. It’s Jesus. He is the treasure, and anyone who chooses can have Him. And in the process, whether in training or in your faith, you can trust you’re growing each day.
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.”
Hebrews 11:13-14
Just as God’s people don’t live for this world, we seek a Heavenly Kingdom, maybe this life isn’t about the achievements. You’re value and at your deepest core is not about doing, but about being. So as you work and go about life, let’s start replacing the idea of “fast and easy” with the words “Faith and Patience.” I think we’ll all find a more long-lasting and satisfying end result that way.
