God’s Waiting Room

We live in a microwave society and waiting is not a behavior we embrace. Yet ironically, it is required in many of life’s routines. We wait in the doctor’s office for the assistant to call our name. We go to the grocery store and wait in the checkout line to purchase our groceries. When we are in traffic at a busy intersection, once again we are waiting. Then when we pray, hoping for an instant change in our circumstances, we find ourselves waiting…hoping….believing…for an unknown period of time, because God has us in His waiting room.

But why must we wait? Doesn’t God realize we need quick answers? Is He aware of our situation? Of course He is. However, God knows the anointing He has placed in us, and what is essential for its manifestation.

We must realize waiting does serve a godly purpose. First of all God tests and strengthens our faith because “…without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that he exists and he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV)

When we have faith in God, our minds are focused on Him, and independent thinking diminishes. Living in God’s will is the goal. Experiencing the presence of God becomes the purpose. Desiring to please God becomes our daily prayer and practice. As our faith is strengthened, we realize our ability to achieve God’s plan requires us to rely on the Holy Spirit, and not on our skills.

Also, we learn to trust Him. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight “(Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV) Frequently, we trust the advice of others, then we go to God. However, in God’s waiting room, we learn to reverse that process. God is first! And until He provides us with directions, we wait for Him, and trust His decision.

Additionally, it is imperative for us to be at peace with His timing. “For the revelation awaits an appointed time, it speaks of the end and will not prove false; though it linger, wait for it; it will surely come, and it will not delay. (Habakkuk 2:3 NIV) We serve a God who is deliberate and intentional. He cannot be rushed. His timing is always best. When He speaks our manifestation is activated, His plan falls into place, and we comprehend the purpose of waiting.

As we follow these steps, the most significant part of our preparation is prayer. “Pray continually.” (I Thessalonians 5:17NIV) Prayer will provide us with answers to our problems, keep us connected to the Holy Spirit, and provide the discipline necessary to develop daily communications with the Lord. We mature in our tenacity and acquire an appreciation for waiting on God. Furthermore, we begin to realize prayer is a spiritual staple, not just a waiting room weapon.

So here is a challenge. When we tire of waiting, we should open the Bible, list a few of the saints who waited, the length of time required, and the final blessing. Then realize, frequently, the greater the promise, the longer the wait. However, when we keep our focus on Him, He will always provide strength and encouragement.

Remember, … “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40: 31 NIV)