A New Day

By: Pastor Johnie Akers  

Psalm 130:5, 6, “I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.  My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.”  The ambitious entrepreneur had just started her perfume business.  But she realized that if she was to be successful, she had to persuade a cosmetics buyer to place her beauty products in many stores throughout the county.  At 9:00 a.m. one morning the woman was in the offices of the American Merchandising Corporation, waiting to see Marie Weston, the cosmetics buyer. Since the lady had no appointment, she was advised to come back another day.  “I don’t mind waiting,” said the impresario. “I’ll wait until she has a few free moments.” Salespeople came and went. At lunchtime, the receptionist said Weston’s schedule was so full that getting in to see her was impossible. Again, the lady was told to come back later.  “I’ll wait a little longer,” she persisted.  Hours passed. At 5:15 p.m.Marie Weston came out of her office. She looked at the patient woman, still waiting, in disbelief, then admiration, and said, “Well, do come in. Such patience must be rewarded.”  Weston was very impressed with the woman’s cosmetics, but there was no room in any of the stores. Come back later, she was encouraged. Of course, she did.  Eventually, Weston found room in several stores. Business began to boom.  Today, the patient entrepreneur’s cosmetics are sold worldwide.  I’m sure you’refamiliar with her products and her name—Estée Lauder.  Many people would have given up; but Estée Lauder’s patience and perseverance ultimately brought success.  There is value in waiting.  The process tempers us and helps develop our resolve.  So often in our impatience we miss the ultimate goal God seeks,and that is the refinement of our character.  This is a far greater need than us immediately achieving our self-interests.  Today, if you feel like you’ve occupied the waiting room of life far longer than you anticipated, just remember, the work God is doing within you is far more important than what you desire to see accomplished externally.  In the end, you will be developed into the person God desires, with new patience and new persistence, opening the door to the fulfillment of your dreams with each new day. 

Source: Marion de Velder, “If at First You Don’t Succeed, . . .”The Holland Sentinel (October 24, 1998).