When we delve into the biographies of accomplished individuals, a prevailing pattern gracefully unveils itself. It becomes clear that a significant aspect of success can be attributed to the grace of God, or what secular perspectives might call luck. The fact that, despite all of our efforts, strategic planning, and execution, the final outcome is beyond our control. Ecclesiastes 9:11 (ESV) says, “Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all.”
We don’t talk enough about the part of success that involves waiting. Getting things done in real life is nothing like it is portrayed in movies, where things happen fast. In the real world, you have to be patient. You must develop the necessary skills to achieve the desired results, and you must embrace the mindset and discipline required to move mountains. However, you must still wait for life to present you with an opportunity. Consider Abraham Lincoln’s words: “I will study and prepare myself, and someday my chance will come.”
So, don’t be anxious or angry because it appears that despite reading 500 pages a day and devoting yourself to your tasks, nothing is happening. You must trust the process, that your time and chance will come, and you will be ready to seize it. In the real world, it may take decades for the big ideas to come together, and you just have to keep going. Taking each day as it comes. That was Joseph’s story in ancient Egypt. That is Daniel’s story in King Nebuchadnezzar’s Court. It’s the story of everyone who has ever achieved anything. You prepare and then wait.