Many times, we find ourselves pondering when the “heavenly secretary” will swing open the door and announce that the Master is ready to attend to us, inviting us to enter. But until that moment arrives, we can only sit and wait.
A “waiting room” is a designated space where individuals await their turn to be attended to. Its primary purpose is to provide clients with a convenient and comfortable place to relax while anticipating their moment. Similarly, the waiting room of the Lord illustrates the profound patience required to rely on God’s timetable and divine plan for our lives.
The scriptures furnish us with numerous passages meant to instruct and guide those who find themselves in the waiting room of life. These passages serve as reminders of the virtues of patience, trust, and faith in the face of life’s delays. The story of Abram stands as a narrative example of patiently enduring the wait for the fulfilment of God’s promises. Despite his advanced age and Sarah’s infertility, Abraham unwaveringly trusted in God’s faithfulness. After the passage of time, he finally became the father of Isaac, affirming the word of God in Romans 8:18: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (NIV).
“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). This scripture from Proverbs serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of entrusting ourselves to God’s wisdom and guidance. It advises us to relinquish our limited understanding and wholeheartedly rely on God, trusting that our paths are being directed according to His perfect timing.
Attempting to predict when the waiting will conclude can lead to substantial disappointment, as the waiting room of the Lord defies prediction. It may yield results soon or perhaps later. “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” – Romans 8:25 (NIV). This verse from Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans underscores the significance of patience while dwelling in the waiting room of the Lord. It encourages us to persevere in our waiting, even when the manifestation of God’s promises remains elusive because we maintain hope and belief in His eventual fulfillment of His plans in His own time.
Mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives. These devices require charging before they can be used, and during the charging process, we wait patiently, assured that the phone will eventually be fully charged. Some individuals might opt to use their devices while they are charging, which prolongs the charging time (reflecting impatience in the waiting room). In contrast, others choose to wait patiently until the battery reaches its full capacity before utilising it. The waiting room of the Lord is not an easy space to inhabit, yet it holds rewards for those who endure the wait with patience. It doesn’t weaken us; rather, it empowers the weak and bestows strength upon the weary. “But they who wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 (KJV).
The Waiting Room of the Lord enjoins us, as children of God, to cultivate patience, trust, and faith. The scriptures mentioned above serve as reminders of the eventual glory that awaits us after our sojourn in the waiting room of the Lord. “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end, it shall speak and not lie: though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” – Habakkuk 2:3 (KJV).
May this piece serve as a wellspring of inspiration and encouragement to those who, like you, await patiently in the waiting room, steadfastly believing in and trusting the unfolding plans of God in His perfect timing.
Written by Elizabeth Asamoah (Anum District, Ho Area)