GOD’S WAITING ROOM
Have you ever had to wait for something? Perhaps for something you were eagerly anticipating? Or maybe for something you knew had to happen, but you were dreading it? Of course, we all have. It’s part of life.
Recently, I’ve been consigned to a series of “Waiting Rooms”. It all started in April when a medical test suggested the possibility of cancer. Now, lest you are thinking Bob has cancer, please notice this article was not written by him. We don’t want false rumors started. J
Now, back to April and the test. It eventually led to a biopsy in early May. It took six long days to get the results. By the third day of waiting I was fixated and fidgety. I felt like I was being dangled three inches from the ground, not able to go in any definite direction. At that point the Lord got my attention. He showed me this is a unique time, never to be repeated again. My focus was on getting it over with. Because of that, I was missing out on focusing on the Lord – hearing His heart in the matter. Wow!
That totally changed my perspective. I was missing out on God’s personal ministry to my heart. He gave me peace to know that the diagnosis would come in His good time. Until it came I had a unique opportunity to linger in His presence, and absorb the special truths He wanted to share with me, each one distinctly tailored to this specific waiting room.
One blessing that came out of this new attitude was a beautiful Mother’s Day that weekend. One of my daughters announced she was expecting their first child. What would have been a day overshadowed with apprehension turned out to be delightful. I was free to enjoy it! I received the diagnosis the next day.
Often when leaving one waiting room we enter another. I waited for surgery. Currently, I’m in the midst of radiation therapy. Thankfully, it has a known, measurable end. I like that. When the therapy was supposed to start I got a call saying the machine was not functioning and the appointment needed to be delayed for two days.
That threw me a bit, as I really wanted to “get it over with”. It eventually took a full week to be repaired. So there I was, thrown back into another waiting room, and the recent lessons were reinforced. It was simultaneously annoying, and yet refreshing. God knows what we need.
So, now I am waiting to finish the radiation and feel “normal” again. Then comes the wait to see if the cancer returns. There is always something for us to wait for. It’s inevitable. But the Lord, as always, wants to use these waiting rooms for our ultimate good, and His glory. He has something special for us during each specific waiting room that will likely never be repeated in our lives again. If we just focus on “getting on with it” we will miss Him and what He has for us.
The Hebrew word for “wait” in Isaiah 40:31, “They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength…” carries with it the idea of intertwining, like cords woven together. To be intertwined with Him will indeed increase our strength!
Here are a few more lessons about waiting He has been showing me:
· They are opportunities to pause and hear Him, to fellowship with Him there. It is easy to miss Him. It is worth it when the communion occurs.
· Anxiety is frustrating, and resting in the Lord is refreshing. We have a choice about which one it will be. But it takes purposeful intention to choose.
· Most of all it takes trust – trusting the Lord that He is sovereign, and caring, and wise. Circumstances don’t have to go the way I expect or want. If God really is good, then eventually, all will be well – even if currently it is not—even if “eventually” is in Heaven.
· Waiting for a cab can be passive, but waiting on the Lord is definitely not passive. It takes concentrated focus.
· It is good to hope for things, but we have to hold them with an open hand, not emotionally attaching “ok-ness” to their fulfillment.
· Waiting on God is different from waiting for Him to repair or resolve something. Waiting on God is a very personal connection with Him. It’s trusting Him, trusting Him, no matter what He brings or allows.
If you are not currently in a “Waiting Room”, just wait. You will be eventually. My prayer for you is that you will meet with the Lord there, and learn more of His good heart and love for you.
Laura Stearn
Office Admin.—NWBCC
Testimonies
· Husband: Thank you so much. This week has had a major impact to my life. I was praying it would make a difference in my marriage, but had no idea how much deep down feeling would come out. Only the Lord … could do what has happened to me. Again, Thanks.
· Wife: Thank you for a very difficult but rewarding week. I wish I could say I enjoyed the process more; however, confronting issues is never a real source of fun…Our lives have been changed and we look forward to restoring our relationship.
Prayer Needs
· Finances are tight during the summer months, so ongoing financial support is always a blessing. Pray with us as we keep our eyes on Him, use His resources wisely, and joyfully share His provision.
“Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.”
Charles Spurgeon