Home
- Leaping Ahead: When Impatience Leads Us Astray
Have you ever felt that urge to rush forward, to take control before the opportune moment arrives? It’s a familiar human experience, this desire to act rather than wait. Yet, Scripture offers a strong reminder of the pitfalls of impatience, as seen in the story of King Saul in 1 Samuel 13. Faced with a looming battle and the delayed arrival of Samuel, Saul took matters into his own hands and offered a sacrifice, a duty reserved only for the priesthood. His intentions might have seemed noble – to rally his troops – but his impatience and disregard for God’s established order ultimately cost him his kingship.
Early in our marriage, my husband and I eagerly desired to become parents. When an 18-month-old girl needed foster care, our hearts immediately leaped at the possibility. We were ready to welcome her into our lives without hesitation. However, the wisdom of the case worker intervened. Because our desire was to adopt, and this child was not available for adoption at that time, she prevented the placement. Looking back, I truly believe God used her to shield us from a profound heartbreak, the inevitable pain of having to eventually say goodbye. Our eagerness, unchecked, could have led to significant sorrow.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson about the protective nature of waiting on God’s timing. God eventually gave us twin daughters through adoption in His perfect timing.
There have been other instances where I’ve forged ahead, only to realize later the wisdom of a delayed response. Conversely, there have been times, even amidst challenging circumstances, where patiently waiting for the Lord’s direction brought a sense of peace and the clear understanding that His way, though perhaps difficult, was indeed the best path.
Consider your own journey. When has impatience led you down a path of hardship or regret? And when have you experienced the quiet strength and rightness that comes from waiting on the Lord, even when the situation remained difficult?
Let us continually seek God’s will and cultivate the patience to allow His guidance to unfold in every area of our lives.
Banner photo by Kid Circus on Unsplash

Chris Adams is a wife, mom, and Mimi who loves Jesus. She is an inspirational speaker for women who focuses on biblically centered teaching. She loves to share how we can walk in faith no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in. God wants us to continue to grow as disciples as long as we have breath and He wants us to overflow Christ’s love to those around us. Chris will share with you how “an imperfect woman in God’s perfect plan” can thrive and influence others for Him.
Twitter & Instagram: @chrisadams4
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chrisadams4, www.facebook.com/chrismcphersonadams
Web site: www.chrisadams.blog