Waiting

Seems like I’ve spent a great deal of my life waiting.  I’ve waited for:

• The car being repaired
  
• Voting in the presidential election
• Food to be prepared in a restaurant
• My kids to get out of practice/rehearsal
• The cable guy
• Something important in the mail
• Grades
• The dentist
• An appliance to be delivered
• Families of church members having surgery
• Funerals
• Weddings
• Any number of department store check out lines

You get the idea.  All of us wait for something or someone.  Some of us wait more than others.  I suppose I should mention the Brad Paisley video/song, “Waiting on a Woman,” that features Andy Griffith.  However, I’m blessed with a spouse who is never late and always early! 

Recently an old friend and I have been waiting together on the next step in our respective medical journeys.  Neither of us is afraid, or worried about our ultimate diagnosis and respective treatment plans.  That’s not to say we’re excited about it either, but we have peace about the future.  We do worry about the toll this is taking on our wives and children. But both of us resoundingly agree that waiting is the toughest part of any struggle or trial.  Waiting for lab reports.  Waiting for CT scan results.  Waiting on pathology reports.  Waiting on the surgery, or oncology consult.  Waiting for treatment or surgery to begin.  Waiting for the doctor to call.  Waiting, waiting, waiting and more waiting.

One problem with waiting is that it gives Satan an open door.  The master deceiver loves to use times of silence against Christ-followers during a crisis.  One of his strongest weapons is doubt.  Other choice tools he uses are anxiety, worry and fear.  He counts on these times to sow seeds of doubt about God, His presence and faithfulness, and our trust in Christ.  Paul has given us some solid advice on dealing with the enemy in Ephesians 6.   Paul has also given us another “go to passage” to thwart Satan’s attacks of doubt, worry and fear. 

My friend’s sister (Judy) recently shared it this Scripture promise with him when he was in one of those waiting times.  It’s from 2 Corinthians 10:5b-“and take every thought captive to be obedient to Christ.”  My friend and I are making sure that we are giving every thought to Christ, so even if Satan sneaks one by it won’t matter.  By holding our thoughts captive to Christ, we put Him in charge of weeding out any thoughts that conflict with His will and way for our life.  In other words, we let Christ take care of Satan.  Remember, Christ has already defeated Satan on our behalf.   When we give every thought to Christ in an attempt to be obedient, God takes care of the ones from Satan.  We don’t have to worry about them because we are surrendering every thought to Him.  

If you’re in the Waiting Room, and believe me I know what it’s like, focus on Christ.  Give Him your thoughts, affections, praise, adoration, attention, complaints and struggles.  When I focus on Christ things in my life flow better.  Oh, the problems, pain, and struggle are still there, but suddenly they aren’t the focus of life, He is.  May it be so for all who seek Him in the silence! 

P.S. David you are in my thoughts and prayers as you face medical unknowns.  Remember, as we've shared many times, God is already ahead and nothing, absolutely nothing takes Him by surprise.  Thanks for making my waiting and journey lighter. You are a treasured brother in Christ!