God’s Waiting Room

But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.

– Micah 7:7

Americans are good at many things, but waiting isn’t one of them. We love our fast food, microwave popcorn, and next-day Amazon Prime shipping. We specialize in multitasking. And we sometimes even judge our neighbors by the speed and features of their smartphones.

We also have no time for delays. However, efficiency experts report that on average, we still spend nearly an hour each day waiting. That covers common scenarios like waiting in line at the grocery store, waiting for the waitress to take our food order, and even waiting to fill up the car at the gas pump. (All told, that’s about three years of waiting by the time we reach age 70!)

But waiting isn't always a waste — particularly when it comes to God. In fact, it’s an essential part of his plan for us because it helps us grow. This concept might be difficult to grasp because the human perspective of time differs from the Almighty's. While he sees the past, present, and future, we see only what's happening moment by moment. That's why we want to know (now!) when we’ll find another job, when we’ll sell our house, and when we’ll find a spouse. And exactly when will we finally be healthy again? Inquiring minds want to know.

We don't have a clue, but God has known the answers since the foundation of the world. The apostle Peter puts our waiting into perspective: 

"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends," he wrote. "To the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day."

As Christ-followers, we need to understand that what happens while we're waiting is often more important than what we're waiting for. Ask anyone who has spent grueling hours at the hospital contemplating the health and future of a loved one. Did their soul-searching experience bring a closer dependence on God? It should have. After all, it's when we're so humbled and powerless that we realize we can do nothing on our own and need him the most.

Downtime and anticipation are necessary components of our non-stop, 24/7/365 world. So, let's make the most of them in God's Waiting Room — a special place where we can look for ways and opportunities to say yes to him with a sense of expectancy and hope. Because whether we understand it or not, his timing is always perfect.

"Be still, and know that I am God," the Lord tells us through Psalm 46:10. "I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

 

The Only Thing We Have to Fear

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

– Psalm 42:5

It was March 1933. Our nation was in the midst of severe economic turmoil, with millions out of work, homeless, and near despair. And in that fourth year of the Great Depression, fearful Americans needed solutions — and lots of hope.

That’s when the newly elected president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (“FDR”), gave his inaugural address to the nation and reminded his fellow citizens that they had not failed.“Compared with the perils which our forefathers conquered because they believed and were not afraid.” explained Roosevelt, “We have still much to be thankful for.”

Then came the speech’s most memorable line: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Today, 90 years later, some things haven’t changed. We still seek shelter from our fears, which likely have the same roots as those faced by our great-grandparents. Deep down, we may feel discouraged and abandoned because we don’t sense God’s presence. And our self-image is one of inadequacy. But the truth is that God knows the plans he has for us. Moreover, he also sees us for what we can become rather than who we are right now. 

Whatever we fear in this life, let’s remember that we don’t face it alone. In fact, it’s when we’re in God’s presence that we’re the most protected. It’s all a matter of coming to our Father in prayer, listening for his response and guidance, and obeying in faith.

The Great Depression eventually ended through America’s entrance into World War II, and FDR successfully led the nation through years of economic turmoil and global conflict. But he always knew that he could never conquer the giant called FEAR by himself. He instead relied on the guidance of Someone far more powerful and compassionate than himself:

“In this dedication of a Nation we humbly ask the blessing of God.” Roosevelt proclaimed at the conclusion of his first inaugural address. “May He protect each and every one of us. May He guide me in the days to come.”

With FDR’s hopeful admonition in mind, let us never forget the apostle Paul’s words of hope through the New Testament's book of Romans:

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

Praiseworthy

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

– 1 Peter 2:9

We live in a nation that’s blessed with choices. Need a cellphone? Go online or visit any cellular provider, and you’ll find dozens of popular devices from Apple, Samsung, LG, Google, and others. Well-stocked supermarkets may offer 10 or more brands of bottled water. And Netflix, Disney Plus, and other streaming services have movies for just about anyone — from superhero action pictures to romantic comedies to horror flicks — and everything in between.

We love to sing the praises of choice. So, when it comes to faith and religion, it’s no surprise that we also have options when it comes to the One we praise. There's something for every preference. What's more, many people assert that your religion really doesn't matter — just so long as you're sincere in your beliefs and it makes you happy. After all, they say, one person's truth isn't someone else's. It's all relative. And we're all worshipping the same god anyway. 

The Bible, however, makes some startling claims that clearly contradict the anything-goes perspective of modern-day culture. For example, Scripture accurately predicted Jesus' birth — and even its location — centuries before it happened. And in Christ's brief time on earth, he cured the sick, raised the dead, and became a living sacrifice to pay the price for all the wrongs (sins) of the world. Now fast-forward 2,000 years, and Jesus' words continue to change lives and make an eternal difference.

That eternal difference includes his declaration that no one can come to the Father (God) except through him. But that's a claim of exclusivity that makes people uncomfortable these days. And many would even describe it as intolerant.

However, Jesus’ claim isn’t for just an exclusive few. That’s because his death and resurrection offer eternal life to anyone who accepts God's free gift! No one who wants a spiritual rebirth through Jesus is turned away. And unlike manmade religions, the way to God isn't about keeping certain rules, saying special prayers, or eating (or not eating) particular foods. Instead, being a Christ-follower starts with simple faith in him through what he accomplished on the cross: total victory over sin and death! 

By some counts there are today about 20 different major world religions ... and not to mention thousands of related beliefs and their offshoots. And all but one have something in common: their emphasis on doing. But Christianity is instead about what's been done. We can't earn our salvation or perform enough good deeds to earn our way to God's favor. Christ has already done it — and paid it in-full on the cross. All we need to do is make the choice to come to him in faith. He is truly worthy of our praise!

 

Name-Dropping

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 

– Acts 2:21

The saying goes that it’s not what you know … it’s WHO you know that matters.

That’s especially true when our connections can help us avoid the typical obstacles faced by most people so we can obtain or accomplish something quickly and efficiently. For example, a phone call to the right person who already owes you a big favor might get you those tickets to that sold-out concert or sporting event. You might be able to get your child into the right school if you have a close friend in the admissions office. And that acquaintance who knows a mechanic who fixes vehicles on the side could get your car back on the road in no time — and for a price the dealership can’t beat.

This process can sometimes involve name-dropping, or suggesting that you have a relationship with a famous celebrity, politician, or other notable. We do it at parties, at job interviews, and when we want to impress someone. And while name-dropping can be annoying, sometimes it’s OK to brag about our relationship to the right person. In the Bible, Psalm 16:8 reveals that it’s encouraged:

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

At Christianity’s core is a connection with God through our faith in Jesus. Specifically, that relationship is one of a child and their parent, which is made possible through Jesus’ death on the cross — a punishment we all rightly deserve for our lifetimes stained by personal failures and shortcomings (better known as sin). But since we’re connected with the right person (Jesus), he’s already paid the price to save us from a certain death and eternal punishment in hell.

With that vital connection established, God also wants us to make relationships with others so they can begin their own journeys of faith. That means introducing them to Jesus, sharing his story, and relating how his atoning death means a whole new life here on earth — and later into eternity. And when these new believers encounter those inevitable bumps in the road, they’ll always know The One to call for help.

How can we get the ball rolling?

One of the best ways is to begin praying for people by name. They can be our family members, co-workers, neighbors, political leaders, the unsaved — and particularly our enemies. Afterward that, don’t be surprised if our Creator opens up the circumstances where we become the answer to someone else’s prayer. Jesus set the example when he sent 12 of his followers to the nearby Jewish communities to spread the Good News (the Gospel):

“Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel,” he told them. “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”

Not only were his followers the answer to someone’s prayers — they also used their connection with Jesus to overcome seemingly impossible situations. Now fast-forward to the 21st Century, and the same holds true for Christ's modern-day believers. So, be prepared to do some name-dropping whenever it’s necessary. Because it’s not what you know, but who you know that matters.