You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.
James 4:2
I've been waiting for God to reveal the next step in my path to me. I was quite pleased with myself actually. Patience has always been a challenge for me. I usually decide what I am going to do and, unless struck down by lightening, charge straight ahead with my goals in impressive fashion. Three years ago, confronting my vulnerability when I found that the demands of being an interfaith chaplain at Children's Hospital Boston were too much for me, I became a lot less headstrong (and more hesitant). So waiting, something I have never been good at, comes a bit easier now.
A friend and colleague in the ministry asked me recently if I had been asking God for guidance, instead of just waiting for divine intervention. I hung my head in embarrassment. I had been so focused on not going against God's will that I had not been diligent seeking out God's will.
So lately my prayers have changed from, "Lord help me be patient," to include, "Help me. What is your will for me oh Lord." There is a great difference between being comfortable with God and actively seeking direction from God. It's a stronger and more intimate relationship. I realize I had become a bit complacent with God, as I suppose you can in any relationship. Things were good, so I stopped wooing God and got comfortable.
A well placed word from a friend reminded me that asking is a crucial component to receiving. Not only did I realize that patience alone would not deliver my fate, but I was also again struck by how awesome my Father in heaven is. Rekindling the passion of my relationship with God has been delightful.
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6