Have you ever had a dream that seemed lost and dashed to pieces on the rocks of disaster or disappointment? Take heart. Many great men and women have had such experiences. But they believed that good things come to those who wait. They learned valuable lessons in God’s waiting room that could not be learned anywhere else.
Abraham was 100 years old before the promised child Isaac was born. Joseph, the dreamer, was sold into slavery by his brothers, unjustly accused of rape by Potiphar’s wife, and thrown into prison for 13 years before seeing his God given dream become a reality.
David, John the Baptist, and Paul spent time in God’s waiting room before seeing God’s call and promises fulfilled in their lives. Jesus had his wilderness experience where he was tempted by the devil. He spent 30 years in the waiting room before beginning his public ministry and fulfilling his mission of redemption for a lost world.
I must admit that I don’t like waiting. As a pastor, I’ve spent my fair share of a lot of time in waiting rooms. It isn’t easy.
It is not easy spending time in God’s waiting room. In these uncertain times, here are some tips to help us redeem the time and prosper. Remember these R's.
REFOCUS. There is a saying that has been around for awhile that says, “Yard by yard, life is hard; inch by inch, life’s a cinch!” A little simplistic, admittedly - but, there is truth in it. How do you walk around the world? Take one step at a time. Don’t focus on the long range goals as much as the short range goals. Instead of a yard, try an inch.
God is more concerned about our character than our immediate happiness. Focus on eternal things rather than temporal, transitory things.
REJOICE. The Good Book says, “Rejoice in the Lord and again I say, rejoice! And it urges us to, “Give thanks in all things, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” Rejoicing will liberate your soul.
REST in the Lord. God doesn’t want us to be full of anxiety. Worry changes nothing. Worry robs you of faith and peace. So, rest.
REDEEM the time. I remember some times in my life when I wished it was a future time. How many times do we wish our life away? Time goes by fast enough. So, enjoy and savor the moment. Don’t waste your time always wishing for a future time. God gave you today to live. Be useful. Make use of the opportunities that come your way.
REMEMBER your Redeemer is working in you while you spend time in God’s waiting room. The Divine Potter is molding and making us while we spend time in God’s waiting room. It is God who “both wills and works for His good pleasure” in our lives. Be patient like the farmer waiting for the seed to produce.
RELATIONSHIPS are vital to help us in God’s waiting room. God made us to need and to relate to the people He puts in our lives. Cherish your friends. Cherish your family.
In the end, be reminded of words of one Jesus of Nazareth who said, “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
Sounds refreshing, doesn't it? It makes the waiting room a whole lot more endearing - and enduring.
Abraham was 100 years old before the promised child Isaac was born. Joseph, the dreamer, was sold into slavery by his brothers, unjustly accused of rape by Potiphar’s wife, and thrown into prison for 13 years before seeing his God given dream become a reality.
David, John the Baptist, and Paul spent time in God’s waiting room before seeing God’s call and promises fulfilled in their lives. Jesus had his wilderness experience where he was tempted by the devil. He spent 30 years in the waiting room before beginning his public ministry and fulfilling his mission of redemption for a lost world.
I must admit that I don’t like waiting. As a pastor, I’ve spent my fair share of a lot of time in waiting rooms. It isn’t easy.
It is not easy spending time in God’s waiting room. In these uncertain times, here are some tips to help us redeem the time and prosper. Remember these R's.
REFOCUS. There is a saying that has been around for awhile that says, “Yard by yard, life is hard; inch by inch, life’s a cinch!” A little simplistic, admittedly - but, there is truth in it. How do you walk around the world? Take one step at a time. Don’t focus on the long range goals as much as the short range goals. Instead of a yard, try an inch.
God is more concerned about our character than our immediate happiness. Focus on eternal things rather than temporal, transitory things.
REJOICE. The Good Book says, “Rejoice in the Lord and again I say, rejoice! And it urges us to, “Give thanks in all things, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” Rejoicing will liberate your soul.
REST in the Lord. God doesn’t want us to be full of anxiety. Worry changes nothing. Worry robs you of faith and peace. So, rest.
REDEEM the time. I remember some times in my life when I wished it was a future time. How many times do we wish our life away? Time goes by fast enough. So, enjoy and savor the moment. Don’t waste your time always wishing for a future time. God gave you today to live. Be useful. Make use of the opportunities that come your way.
REMEMBER your Redeemer is working in you while you spend time in God’s waiting room. The Divine Potter is molding and making us while we spend time in God’s waiting room. It is God who “both wills and works for His good pleasure” in our lives. Be patient like the farmer waiting for the seed to produce.
RELATIONSHIPS are vital to help us in God’s waiting room. God made us to need and to relate to the people He puts in our lives. Cherish your friends. Cherish your family.
In the end, be reminded of words of one Jesus of Nazareth who said, “Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
Sounds refreshing, doesn't it? It makes the waiting room a whole lot more endearing - and enduring.
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