God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12

We get impatient with God. We know what we want Him to do, and we wish He would just do things our way…quickly, instantly. We want Him to hurry up and make everything right. We wish He would flip a switch in all the unbelieving hearts in our lives, that they would stop living for themselves and tune their hearts to His. We wish He would push the right buttons in believers’ hearts that would turn them away from sin and selfishness and forever focus their hearts on Him. And wouldn’t it be amazing if He would flip that switch in each of us that would instantly make our hearts’ desire match His exact plan for us? But He doesn’t work that way.

Instead God gives us experiences—endless opportunities for growth. He allows us to go through trials, and He walks with us through every single one. He speaks to us and guides us, waiting for us to listen and obey. He works in us and through our relationship with Him. He doesn’t simply “flip a switch” to help us become patient. Instead He gives us experiences that help us develop patience. He doesn’t push buttons that suddenly make us compassionate. He provides opportunities that soften and shape our hearts until they look a lot more like His. Jesus doesn’t push or pull or flip anything to make our faith strong. He draws us into a relationship with Him and invites us to experience all that He is, to be eternally grateful for what He has done and will continue to do in us and through us. It’s up to us to respond. It’s up to us to accept His invitation and choose to grow. 

Rather than praying for God to flip those switches, ask Him for opportunities. Ask Him for patience, for spiritual growth, for a deeper relationship with Him. Ask Him to open your eyes so you don’t miss the opportunities He gives you every day. Take hold of them, and hang on to your crown…it only gets better! You are loved!