This week in John Maxwell’s The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader’s Day I read about the Law of Process.

The lessons were drawn from the life of the Biblical character Joseph. Joseph’s story is intriguing because it highlights a leader’s need to be patient. I can think of several times in my life when I thought that I was ready for a job or a responsibility and then becoming upset when I wasn’t given that role.  Later I had to admit that despite my intense desire I wasn’t as prepared or equipped as I thought I was.

The summer that I started seminary classes I was excited. I had made a commitment to ministry and thought that the calls would come pouring in for me to share my teaching and preaching. They didn’t. No one called. No one inquired. I spent most of the summer wondering if I had chosen the wrong profession.

A friend of mine on the other hand stayed busy on the weekends. His teaching and preaching calendar were full. This happened despite his plans to avoid full time ministry and pastoring altogether. In the beginning I was annoyed when he wanted to talk about the places he was going and the things that he was working on. I didn’t want to give him advice, or help him unpack his sermons, or encourage him. Reluctantly, I did. It wasn’t too long before I realized that this was exactly what I was supposed to be doing at the time. My responsibility was to pray for, support, coach, and motivate my friend in his work. In my rush to be upfront I almost missed out on the valuable lessons that come from waiting. I became a much happier and fulfilled person when I embraced this role. Another way to describe the law of process would be to say wait your turn. Prepare yourself and your time will come. It happened for Joseph and it can happen for the rest of us.

What role are you in a rush to fulfill but find yourself having to wait to do it.