“All good things arrive unto them that wait–and don’t die in the meantime.”  Mark Twain

“God writes a lot of comedy … the trouble is, he’s stuck with so many bad actors who don’t know how to play funny.” Garrison Keeler

“We ought to give thanks for all fortune it is is good, because it is good, if bad, because it works in us patience, humility and the contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country.”  C.S. Lewis

Joy, Patience and faithfulness are formidable character traits, but when you add words like hope, affliction and prayer, you see there is more to them than meets the eye.  How often do we give thanks when our hopes have been dashed? How do you grow patient when everything around you is moving at a snail’s pace? How’s our prayer life? Do we just reach out to God when we need Him, or do we have numerous conversations with Him throughout the day?

God is not simply an aging old man in the sky, managing His kingdom like a puppeteer pulling all the right strings.  He definitely has a sense of humor, because He created me.  He looks after us as a loving father cares for His children.  He wants the very best for us and has a blueprint all drawn out for what He has in store for us.

He’s also demanding of us.  He wants our obedience, because He’s our Creator.  He wants us to share our love and trust in Him with those in desperate need of the Gospel.  He’s given us the command to love one another as we love ourselves.  He wants us to know that nothing we do is going to pay for our inability to live up to His expectations, but He also provided a way out for us.

We don’t just automatically become joyful when we turn things over to God.  Sometimes it takes Him a long time to answer.  Sometimes He does that to build character and patience, other times He’s refining us.  Sometimes He looks into the future and knows what’s best for us.  Maybe the thing we’re praying for isn’t for our good.  Many times He doesn’t answer at all, but He guides us through the path that He’s pre-determined for us.  He gives us discernment, wisdom and the ability to make the right choices.

God feeds us when we get a daily diet of His Word.  He nourishes our bodies and souls with the love He exhibits for us on those pages.  Plan on filling yourself up with his truth and He will bestow on you hope, patience and faithfulness.