When God Puts You on Hold (1)

“Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always.” Ro 12:12 TLB

We’ve been dubbed “the microwave generation” for good reason—we charge through life like we’re on fire! But God has His own timetable and it can’t be rushed. So when He puts you on hold: Watch your words. Like a small rudder on a big ship, what you say determines your direction and helps stop the wrong thoughts from infiltrating your mind. Mel Weldon said, “My mind is a garden, my thoughts are the seeds; my harvest will be either flowers or weeds.” Ask God to help you control your emotions. Paul says, “Be glad for all God is planning…Be patient in trouble…and prayerful always.” Complaining magnifies the problem. Prayer turns negative energy into a powerful force for good. Look for the humor in it. Solomon said, “He who is of a merry heart has a continual feast” (Pr 15:15 NKJV). Laughter dispels tension, lightens the burden and fills your soul with joy. Appreciate the chance to learn. The Chinese view problems as prospects; in their culture the character/symbol for problems and opportunities is the same. Solomon said, “The diligent make use of everything” (Pr 12:27 NLT). Learn from your experience regardless of how hard it is, and remember, some of the world’s greatest discoveries and breakthroughs resulted from crises. Love unconditionally. Problems are caused by people, and under pressure it’s tempting to lash out. The bottom line is: we all make mistakes, and nobody is beyond redemption! Aren’t you glad about that? Learn to see people through God’s eyes. “Overcome evil with good” (Ro 12:21)…be courteous, and maintain your dignity when you’re under pressure (See Ro 12:10).

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