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.

The A-Team

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.

– Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

What do The Dirty Dozen, The Bad News Bears, and The A-Team have in common?

These old school entertainment classics share the same general plot about a group of unlikely misfits who — one way or another — work together to overcome significant obstacles and achieve victory. The characters argue among themselves and face numerous setbacks along the way. But they eventually rally behind their leader, beat long odds, and accomplish the improbable.

It’s a feel-good storyline that never grows old. And it really IS an old storyline — at least 2,000 years-old — to be specific.

The “script” is the second half of the Bible, which is better known as the New Testament. Much of its real-life plot revolves around a group of unlikely characters, who learn from their all-knowing leader (Jesus) to change the course of history. We read that these mundane individuals were Christ’s hand-picked followers. Some were fishermen, one was a tax collector, and another (Simon the Zealot) might be considered a terrorist by today’s standards. Think of them as the original Dirty Dozen.

Known as apostles, they were a dubious group for such an important assignment: Changing the world for Christ’s kingdom one person at a time. But since it’s a mission that continues to this day, maybe it’s no surprise that God still chooses society’s outsiders, outcasts, and the otherwise unremarkable to do his will.

Some modern-day Christ-followers work for insurance companies, supermarkets, retail stores, and banks. Others are homemakers, sales representatives, police officers, and marketing executives. And many are between jobs, retired, or work part-time. But for all their differences, they share a critical unifier: A fervent belief in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. And it’s this same common faith that helps them share the joys and overcome the struggles, disappointments, and even tragedies encountered during their faith-journeys. Along the way, these seekers have also learned another vital lesson: Their own strength and wisdom is worth little toward surmounting the world’s obstacles. But this is to their advantage:

“That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties,” the Apostle Paul proclaims. “For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

And indeed, God does much through the weaknesses of these so-called Everyday Joes. Families are fed, clothed, and housed through their contributions and work in local food pantries, the Salvation Army, and similar organizations. The sick are cured through the efforts of health care professionals who also happen to trust Jesus. And still other Christ-followers teach the illiterate to read and the undereducated to gain critical life and job skills.

That’s a very brief list of the ways Jesus changes the world when his diverse followers act as his eyes, hands, and feet in the world. As the A-Team’s leader — Colonel Hannibal Smith — so aptly puts it in every episode:

“I love it when a plan comes together!”

And no doubt so does God.

The Difference We Make

But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

– James 2:18

Have you ever wondered if Christ-followers — collectively known as the “Church” — really make a difference? And for that matter, would the world be any different had Jesus never been born?

Those are two of the big questions our skeptical society raises these days. But they’re nothing new. In fact, disbelievers and doubters have been around since Jesus’ death and resurrection 2,000 years ago. Nevertheless, they’re queries that deserve honest answers.

Obviously, had Jesus never been born, there would be no Church. This happens to be the same Church that helped end slavery, cannibalism, and the killing of children — all permissible practices in their respective cultures of the time. It’s also likely that the world would be less literate and educated. That’s because Christian missionaries put many of the world’s languages into print to help their native speakers read the Bible. The Church also founded hospitals. And all but one of the first 123 colleges in Colonial America were Christian institutions. Harvard was even founded on this statement:

“Let every student be plainly instructed, and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life, John 17:3.”

If Jesus had never founded the Church, we also wouldn’t have the biblical principles of free enterprise, private property rights, and the work ethic. It’s because the United States was largely founded by Christ-followers that the Declaration of Independence cites “self-evident truths” and “unalienable rights” from the Creator. Our nation also recognizes the rule of law rather than the authority of man — a concept tracing back to the Old Testament and the Ten Commandments. Even the slogan embossed on the Liberty Bell comes from the Bible: 

“Proclaim Liberty throughout the land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof…”

The truth is that Christ-followers HAVE made a difference over the centuries. And today, we continue to change the world in both small ways and large, such as by working together to deliver meals to shut-ins and build housing for the homeless. Samaritan’s Purse — the humanitarian relief organization headed by Franklin Graham — also distributes Christmas packages every year as a direct expression of Christ’s love for the world’s children. And that same Christ-centered entity helps millions of refugees endure manmade and natural disasters alike, such as the recent earthquakes in Turkey, Ebola outbreak in Uganda, and war in Ukraine. Closer to home, Samaritan's Purse recently responded to 18 disasters across the United States, including Hurricane Ian, ice storms, tornadoes, and wildfires.

Whether it’s through complex, international relief efforts or simple, individual acts of kindness, Christians continue to serve as Jesus’ hands and feet in a dark, troubled world. But let’s never forget that the difference we make is possible only through the One we follow: 

“I am the vine; you are the branches,” declares Jesus. “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

With Friends Like These

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

– Proverbs 18:24

Who is your BFF (Best Friend Forever)? And for that matter, what’s the mark of a true friend?

Writer Elbert Hubbard defined a friend as “… someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” Actress Marlene Dietrich remarked that the friends who matter are the ones you can call at 4 a.m. But Harry S. Truman was less sentimental about friendship. “If you want a friend in Washington,” he quipped, “get a dog.”

Maybe President Truman was onto something. After all, dogs are known to be loyal and committed. And it also just happens that loyalty and commitment are rare qualities that God values in his people. Joshua — one of the great servant-leaders of the Old Testament — displayed this trait when he challenged the tribes of Israel to choose whom they would serve: the false gods of their ancestors or the one True God.

“But for me and my household,” declared Joshua, “we will serve the Lord.”

Jesus also seeks total commitment from his modern-day followers. Rather than would-be believers who might help build his kingdom if it’s not too inconvenient for them, Christ demands an all-or-nothing relationship from those who are willing to give the little they have to eventually gain everything.

Does that sound unrealistic? Jesus’ disciples once thought so. It’s in Mark’s gospel that we read about a rich young man, who asked Christ what he had to do to gain eternal life. Knowing what was in the man’s heart, Jesus reminded him about following God’s commandments about theft, adultery, murder, lying, and honoring one’s parents. When the man replied that he had kept those laws since childhood, the Savior told him that he lacked just one thing: the need to sell all his possessions.

Jesus knew that rather than loving God with all his heart, soul, and mind (the first of the 10 Commandments), the rich young man was more devoted to his wealth. So, it’s no surprise that the would-be disciple was grieved after hearing Christ’s stark revelation.

How about you? As Christ-followers, one way that we demonstrate our commitment and loyalty — as well as our relationship with him — is by showing generosity toward those Jesus calls “the least of these.” They might be famine victims in Africa, tsunami survivors in Asia, or even fellow Americans who are picking up the pieces after a wildfire or tornado. 

But then again, those who most need our kindness might be much closer: perhaps next door, down the street, or even across the living room. Maybe they’re total strangers. But they could be your family members, your co-workers ... or even your BFFs.