A recent visit to my doctor allowed me time to reflect on “the waiting room”. A busy day for my ophthalmologist left me waiting more than 1 ½ hours – time to reflect on why a patient needs patience. I worked to suppress complaining as I progressed from restlessness to annoyance. The wait was worth it, however, when my physician treated me kindly, thoroughly and competently.

I began to think about time in God’s waiting room. I occasionally sing a song that says, “Standing on the promises of God” but my life is, at times, spent waiting on the promises of God. Since the promises of God are sure and true, can I suppress my restlessness without complaint as I wait?

Steady perseverance with joy does not always come easily to me. But, I am in good company. All through scripture, God’s saints have struggled in His waiting room. Yet God’s promises remain sure and true. Can we wait?

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you, he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him. (Isaiah 30:18 NIV) 

Since we are all in God’s waiting room together, let’s encourage one another to perseverance with joy.

 

Sharing the journey with you,

Bob Snyder