The Beauty of the Waiting Room

I've been reading a lot lately, through various sources, on the topic of Waiting. (I capitalize that because it's so vital. So heartbreaking. So essential.) And God's been teaching me a lot on the topic.

Sometimes we have trials in life that are born of sin. Consequences. Oh, yes. Our choices can bring about dire results, either intentionally or unintentionally. So we wait to get through that refining period of repentance  like David. He sinned when he lusted, committed adultery, and then murdered to hide his sin. He had to live out some pretty harsh consequences because of that. (death of his newborn son and a lifetime of discord in his family)

But there's also times, like in the case Joseph, we get stuck in a pit or prison (or both!) and are forced to wait because of someone else's sin and consequences. We're victims.

And there's times even still, such as in the case of Job, where there is no sin involved at all and it's a trial to test us, purify us, and draw us closer to the Lord. Even in these times, waiting is still agonizingly hard to do. Maybe even more so, because we don't understand. We don't see. Job didn't get to see the conversation between Satan and God about his journey. He didn't get that assurance. He just had to live it out and wait.

But here's the thing. None of these, not even David, were ever alone.

Max Lucado writes about God's Waiting Room, and how the difference between His waiting room and a typical doctor's office, is that our Great Physician comes and waits with us.

WE. ARE. NEVER. ALONE.

I feel like someone reading this today might need that reminder. If you're stuck in a waiting room, as we all have been, are, or will be, you're not sitting there by yourself. God sees you. He's waiting with you. And his appointments are divine and never, ever delayed. He doesn't waste your time or His. You're right on schedule.

Here's the beauty of the wait. There is always victory.

Maybe not (probably not!) in the way we'd expect. Joseph, while hunkering down in the pit, hearing the heartless laughter of his brothers above him as they bartered for his selling price, never once imagined he'd one day be chief assistant to the greatest king in the land. That he'd, years later, be responsible for feeding the world and saving countless lives - AND reconciling with those very brothers in a way he'd never be able to if he hadn't had to go down to Egypt.

Job was restored above and beyond all that he had lost. He probably never once imagined God would replenish him so thoroughly. He got to learn who his real friends were throughout it all, as well. He was better off for it afterward. Stronger. More dependent on God. And while he might not have had a pride issue before his trial, he DEFINITELY didn't have one afterward. (just think on all those passages in Job that record his convo with God, about Who God is and who Job was not)

If you're in the waiting room today, you're in good company. I'm in good company. The magazines might be outdated, so I'd advise grabbing a copy of the Word instead. Don't worry about the clock or the stale coffee. The Great Physician has plenty of manna - just what you need for right when you need it.

And soon - SOON - your name will be called. And it will be your turn.

You won't be left waiting forever.

And you'll never be left waiting alone.