Know How to Wait

He that believes shall not make haste. (Isaiah 28:16)

He shall make haste to keep the Lord's commandments; but he shall not make haste in any impatient or improper sense.  He shall not haste to run away, for he shall not be overcome with the fear which causes panic.  When others are flying hither and thither as if their wits had failed them, the believer shall be able to act wisely in the hour of trial.

He shall not haste in his expectations, craving his good things at once and on the spot, but he will wait God's time.  Some are in a desperate hurry to have the bird in the hand, for they regard the Lord's promise as a bird in the bush, not likely to be theirs.  Believers know how to wait.

He shall not haste by plunging into wrong or questionable action.  Unbelief must be doing something, and thus it works its own undoing; but faith makes no more haste than good speed, and thus it is not forced to go back sorrowfully by the way which it followed heedlessly.

How is it with me?  How is it with you?  Am I believing, and am I therefore keeping to the believer's pace which is walking with God?  Peace, fluttering spirit!  Oh, rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him!  Heart, see that thou do this at once!

(Faith's checkbook by C.H. Spurgeon collection)