In the Waiting Room of Life

Have you ever had to sit in a waiting room/ area? Whether it was for a doctor’s appointment, or just a holding area as you waited to be called on to get your car fixed or your hair done. Now think about your life: do you feel like you’re in somewhat of a holding area for your life? For instance, your life is in full motion, but you don’t know when the next big thing is going to happen for you. Your life has just become predictable and mundane. And maybe you haven’t experienced these feelings, but I can honestly say I have. And it is quite unsettling. 

Life has such an interesting way of panning out. Think back to your grade-school years. Do you remember those wild dreams and aspirations you had as a child? What was the job you wanted when you were growing up? Now take look at your current life situation. How much has changed? Did you ever pursue your dream job? How about that person you dreamed you would spend the rest of your life with? Has that dream become a nightmare? Or a reality? How much has changed as you’ve gotten older? 

Speaking from personal experience, I can say the life I thought I wanted is so different from the life I now have. Even down to the people. I thought I would maintain some friendships forever- they faded. I thought I would pursue a specific career path- that changed. I believed I would marry my high school sweetheart- I haven’t heard from him in years. As my life has unravelled, so many plans I had just didn’t come to pass. But you know what? Instead of it being a disappointment, it has become a pure joy and blessing to know that what I had planned was not on the Lord’s agenda for my life. And now days, instead of rushing Him to do something for me, I just let His plans play out in my life. I just remain patient. 

I’ve noticed that God tend to make the biggest impact on us when we are simply not involved in helping Him plan out our lives- especially when we are not putting time restraints on Him to perform when we want Him to. From the children of Israel, to us today- God has always desired to be in control of our lives because He has such big and bright plans for us.

The prophet Jeremiah put it this way:

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Jeremiah 29:11 KJV

But you might be more familiar with the New International Version that reads: 

“For I know the plans that I have for you declares that Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” 

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Or lets consider Isaiah’s prophesy, in Isaiah 65:24: 

“And it shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” 

Although Isaiah is speaking of a new Heaven and Earth, it still gives us a necessary glimpse into the mind of the Lord. No matter how far away we may feel from Him, our lives matter to Him and we’re always on His heart. It’s just up to us to have faith that He is who He says He is, and can do what He says He can do. 

So I say to you this: you may not know what you next step in your life is. Whether it involves a career change, a relocation, an unexpected new chapter or life event, or even a finite decision, such as severing ties with certain [toxic] people. Do it with faith in God that He will supply everything you need in every season of your life. 

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the Living. Wait for the Lord. Be strong and take Heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalms 27:13-14

If we were left to ourselves, we would probably forfeit all of the rich blessings God has for us simply because we don’t like waiting on God, But wait, I say! On the Lord. The riches of His goodness are unfathomable. I’m taking this privilege to encourage you because I know how difficult it can be waiting for God to come through. But wait I say, still! And watch Him open doors that only He can open, and close doors, chapters, relationships, situationships, toxic influences, bad habits, and all manner of evil in your life, so that he can give you an expected end. 

“Doors are opening. The waiting wasn’t punishment. It was preparation.”

-Unknown