AS1 (Wait One)

If I'm honest, patience is not one of the virtues I claim as part of my leader's tool kit. We all have things we need to work on, right?

Now, don't get me wrong. I am not an impatient man. But patience is not one of my favorite virtues, at least not when it comes to things I "know" I want or need.

Still, waiting is something we all must do and the ability to wait without being discouraged is something we all must learn.

Some of you are aware that I am changing jobs. Today marks the last day of my nearly 15-year tenure with Amentum and its legacy companies. When I started this journey, I was different. Truth be told, I was much less patient. But now, 15 years later, I am a little more patient and I have a keen respect for God's timing. After all, when I ask Him for something, it always makes sense to wait on Him to work than to take matters into my own hands. Frankly, it always works out better if I don't try to get too involved.

The Bible is replete with instructions on waiting for God to move and the patience it takes to do so. In Peter's second book, he gives us a glimpse into God's own patience, which is a good place for us to start in understanding why patience is so important.

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9, NIV)

From there, David reminds us of how important it is to wait on the Lord's timing and how He will always come through in our time of need.

"Teach me Your way, O Lord, And lead me in a smooth path...I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!" (Psalm 27:11 and 13-14, NKJV)

And then there is the prophet Isaiah's exhortation for patience. He knew the Lord was working for his good. He advised that God is with us throughout everything we face - good, bad, or in between - and God will never fail us. Instead, when we are ready, when the time is right, and when everything in God's plan is in place, He will strengthen our "wings" and send the wind on which we can fly.

"But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31, NKJV)

So, now 15 years after joining Amentum, and 18 months after starting my prayer for something new, God has delivered. This is not me bragging about my patience, Servant Leader. This is me bragging about my God. He has given me great experiences over the last 15 years that have come together at this point in time to position me for success - and I have no doubt I will be successful. How can I be so sure, Servant Leader, that I won't run cross with God's plan for my competitor?

"Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to." (Deuteronomy 15:10, NIV)

"If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands that I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God: You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country. The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock – the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed. You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven. The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you." (Deuteronomy 28:1-8, NIV)

Because He says so.

And because I believe Him.

(Photo: sixgunannie.com)