The Waiting Rooms of Life

By Kathy Carlton Willis

Circumstances have placed me, once again, in one of the “waiting rooms of Life.”  I'm sure you have had at least one experience in Life’s waiting room.  You know what I mean.  Those times that demand patience when answers aren't forthcoming.  The stress of waiting, not knowing, often seems more painful than even the worst news could bring.  Once you know what you are dealing with it, you can face it head-on and move ahead.  But the waiting is torture.

Why is it that God allows us to have to sit, with our hands figuratively tied, enduring a circumstance outside of our control?   I think we often learn the most when God answers a prayer request with wait.   We don't know if the end result will be yes or no but we do know that God does not expect us to suffer trials alone.   He is with us in the waiting rooms of Life.    Jesus comes behind us, weaves His arms under ours and locks His hands around our chest.   He holds us up when we go limp and catches us when we fall.    Because He loves us, He longs to fix our circumstance.    He could do just that, since He is all powerful;  but His knowledge keeps Him from interfering with something that will end up being for our good.  Pain can result in something good? Very often, yes!

Even if the situation seems more than we can bear, His grace is all a person needs. When people ask how you are holding up, you can point to the supernatural peace that baffles the human mind.

I've been in many real waiting rooms.  Sometimes, I see looks of relief as patients come from consults with doctors.  Occasionally a couple gets news of a pregnancy, and they leave the waiting room arm in arm.  But other times, I see patients leave with their shoulders weighed down, bearing bad news.  Most though, are confident that they can endure whatever comes their way.  It is the ones who are waiting, wringing their hands, who seem to suffer the most.  Fear of the unknown is often the most paralyzing fear there is.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind!” 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)

Often when we are fearful, we long for three things.  We wish we had power, because we feel powerless—out of control.  We feel unloved and alone in our trials.  The burdens overwhelm us to the point that we feel we must be losing our minds.  But 2 Timothy 1:7 promises us that God has already given us power, love and a sound mind—the very things we need to conquer our fears.

Let's lay our fears at His feet and tap into His power.  We must realize our fear is not from Him, and focus instead on His love.  After we remind ourselves that fear paralyzes us, we can choose to transform our minds to the mind of Christ.  If you are in one of Life’s waiting rooms, be comforted in knowing you are not alone.  You do not have to appear strong.  When you are weak, then He is strong.  Hold on to the One who holds you securely in His arms.
 

Kathy Carlton Willis is best known as speaker/singer, freelance editor/author/columnist, and specialist in women's and children's ministries. Living Out Loud Communications encompasses all of her interests. Read her personal blog at http://imlivingoutloud.blogspot.com/ or email her at WillisWay@aol.com.


 

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