Most of us become frustrated by waiting, but we must cultivate the ability to wait for God. Our forefathers Joseph and Moses had to go through lengthy preparations before God could begin to use them. King David had to wait many years, dodging Saul's arrows and spears, before God ultimately installed him as king. Zachariah and Elizabeth had to wait years for their offspring. Abraham had to learn to "work" at waiting, resisting the impulse to jump the gun and do it his own way. The conception and birth of Ishmael has been the major contributory cause of the horrible strife in the Middle East today. Abraham learned to wait for God's fulfillment of His promises, learning to trust God for the resurrection of Isaac, willing to wait indefinitely. Abraham went to his grave waiting for the New Jerusalem, an event which would not occur until his own resurrection. It takes work and faith to wait; waiting for God is one of the hardest works we will ever do.