Pastor's Corner

Recently an airline pilot made national news as a video recorded him taking an ax to a mechanical crossing arm that kept him from driving into a special part of the airport. As he struck with the ax again and again, he was expressing the frustration we often face when we are forced to wait, and we see no reason for it. Being patient while waiting can be difficult.

There's nothing special about having to wait. We all must wait, whether it is in a doctor's office, grocery checkout line, or at a stop light. But waiting patiently isn't simply waiting.

For those who know the Lord, it is an expression of trust that brings contentment and peace. Patience resists the temptation to push or press both internally and externally. Patience allows for the Lord to work.

The Bible says, "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him, do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes" Ps. 37:7.

When forced to wait, the believer in Christ isn't just waiting. He is waiting for the Lord. It is the Lord who battles on our behalf. He goes before us. He accomplishes all good things for us. He is in control, promising that He "works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will" Eph. 1:11.

In other words, God wins!

The enemy may seem to be winning and the drift of events may be alarming, but God is in control and all things will bow down to His wonderful and loving purpose. Those who seem to be successful in carrying out their wicked schemes will not succeed "but those who trust in the Lord will be like Mount Zion which cannot be shaken but endures forever" Ps. 125:1.

Pastor Greg Brownell

Dayton United Brethren Church