I hate waiting. I might as well admit it. Through the years I’ve worked on cultivating patience, with little success. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a virtue I admire—but from a distance. I marvel at those who calmly stand in line at the bank counter. Me? I’ll come back later when there’s “no wait.”


Here are a few of the activities and areas that set off my patience alarm:



  • Dentist office waiting rooms. (Do some of these doctors charge by the hour?)

  • Driver’s license renewal lines. (Why are there always four windows and one worker?)

  • Restaurant lobbies. (Like most men, once I smell the food, I’m ready to eat.

  • The movie to start. (Is it just me or are there more trailers—and ads!—than ever?)

  • Shopping at the mall at Christmastime. (Don’t even get me started.)

Yet despite my lifelong habit of hurry, there is one area in which I can honestly see progress. After all these years I’m finally learning to wait on God. I’ve learned, after suffering through more episodes than I wish to recall, to leave the timing in His hands.


It’s true, isn’t it? You and I are not always in tune with our Lord’s timetable, are we? That job promotion you’ve been waiting on for three weeks feels more like three years. You feel you’ve been single long enough; it’s time for God to provide a spouse! Or the house you thought would sell in a few days is still sitting on the market, months later. And now you’re questioning God’s timing.


Relax. Allow the Father to work out His perfect plan. Someone has said, “God is seldom early, but never late.” His timing is impeccable. I’ve seen it over and over again, even through times of serious doubt. Wait on the Lord.


Why not enjoy this issue of Kindred Spirit at a leisurely pace. Stop glancing at your watch. Focus on the articles and what the writers are communicating. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak directly to your heart. And if you happen to be reading this edition in a doctor’s office waiting room, well, I’m the guy who just walked out!

About the Contributors

Charles R. Swindoll

Charles R. Swindoll has devoted his life to the accurate, practical teaching and application of God’s Word and His grace. A pastor at heart, Chuck has served as the founder and senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas. His leadership as president and now Chancellor Emeritus of Dallas Theological Seminary has helped prepare and equip a new generation for ministry. Chuck and his wife Cynthia, have four grown children, ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.