Waiting is something no one likes. Scripture refers to it as discipline, training, strengthening, trials, and perseverance. Whatever name fits, we all have our times of struggling with where God has placed us. The key is not to get caught up in the struggle to the point that we miss the valuable lessons to be learned when we are stuck in God’s waiting room.
2MefromHim Devotionals
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him… Psalm 37:7
Too much makeup, too-tight clothes, too-high heels, leaning on a too-short cane, the older woman drew my attention more by her tone of voice than her appearance. Her harsh demands of the young man behind the check-in desk resonated throughout the waiting area. She demanded information but refused to give the details necessary for him to comply. In spite of his respectful and patient response, she wobbled off, threatening to notify his supervisor.
A few moments later, the same young man approached me to say my doctor had called in sick. If I were patient, they would find another doctor for me. I thanked him and complimented him on the way he handled the other woman. My response earned me a free ticket to the parking garage and an appointment with a very courteous and helpful doctor.
I’m in a different sort of waiting room these days. Complicated medical problems have rendered my voice almost inaudible. I must wait weeks for one specialist, months for another. Frustrated, and at times angry, I have no choice but to wait.
There is an epidemic of short tempers in our world. People demand immediate satisfaction with little regard for others. The key is not to get caught up in the struggle to the point that we miss the valuable lessons to be learned.
God’s word is full of waiting. Abraham and Sarah waited for a son. The Israelites waited for freedom from captivity. Waiting for the Messiah lasted generations. Paul waited in prison. Jesus waited, knowing that Lazarus’ death left his sisters in mourning. The list goes on and on.
When stuck in God’s waiting room, take time to listen to Him. Spend extra time in God’s word. Don’t vent frustrations on others. Pray for God’s enabling to consider others before self. Never be harsh with those powerless to change things. Above all, honor God in spite of frustration.
Like my free ticket to the parking garage, waiting with patience brings reward. The blessing will be more complete for having allowed God to conclude events in His own time. Waiting successfully is a witness to others. It teaches me to pray more fervently, and enables me to experience God’s full blessing rather than an abbreviated version contrived by me.
Sit with quiet expectance in God’s waiting room. The greatest blessings come in God’s perfect time.
© Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, May 11, 2016
About the author:
Norma Gail is the author of the contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, and the New Mexico Christian Novelists. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 40 years. They have two adult children.
Connect with Norma:
Website: www.normagail.org
Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Norma-Gail/e/B00ILHXBAK/
Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQbZIoC_JSE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNormaGail
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+NormaGailwrites
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/normagailth/boards/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7874459
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Norma_Gail
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/norma-gail-thurston-holtman/42/71a/3b2
Book Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Land-My-Dreams-Norma-Gail/dp/1941103170
Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas Bookstore: http:// lpcbooks.com/product/land-of-my-dreams/
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/land-of-my-dreams-norma-gail/1119606864?ean=9781941103173
5 Comments
Oh Norma, I so needed this today. I have been frustrated with a situation in my life lately. These words speak to my heart today. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing that with me, Marcie! It is so difficult to quiet ourselves enough to hear God speak. I am praying!
Waiting can be the hardest thing to do, but as you shared it does have it’s rewards.
God does reward us for the time we take to listen. Thanks for stopping by!
Love this Norma! One of the greatest lessons the Lord has taught me is to understand Him as sovereign over my life. Once I grasped that, it made it much easier to wait on Him, trusting Him for His perfect timing in all things. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. Love you 🙂