Learn to Wait! by Dewayne Choice, Gatesville, TX ÒHaving patiently waited, he obtained the PromiseÉÓ Hebrew 6:15 Waiting is difficult, but it serves a vital purpose. Over 40 times in the Old Testament, God says, ÒWait.Ó At 75, God promised to make Abraham the father of many nations. But, he had to wait 24 more years before he Òobtained the Promise.Ó God promised to free Israel from Egyptian slavery, but it took 400 years, including 40 years in the wilderness before it even began to come to pass. Please note two things: First, what waiting accomplishes: Waiting isnÕt just something you have to do in order to get what you want. No, waiting produces patience, understanding, maturity, and character. What God accomplishes in you while youÕre waiting is often more important than the thing youÕre waiting for. It also forces any potential weakness to the surface. The truth is that time spent waiting is time spent learning and growing! Second, what waiting isnÕt: Waiting is not an excuse for dodging reality, shirking responsibility, or not doing the right thing. For example, if youÕre in a financial mess because of overspending, donÕt sit around waiting for pennies from heaven. TheyÕre not coming! Instead, discipline yourself and make it a priority to learn sound financial principles like budgeting, tithing, and not buying things until you can pay for them. Above all else, waiting means making a daily decision to trust and obey God, even when things arenÕt going the way you planned.