At some point in everyone’s life, we will be sitting in a waiting room – where things could go either way. Maybe you’re there today — waiting on a phone call with test results, a pregnancy test, a college acceptance letter, a job relocation, a prodigal child’s return home.
If you’re not in the waiting room today, I promise, you will be at some point.
A hard thing happens while sitting in this waiting room, when the future is difficult to foresee, and things could go one way or another. The “What-Ifs” grab hold of your mind and drag your thoughts down dark, worst-case alleyways.
In these times, we need certain TRUTHS to keep us rooted, to keep us upright and unswayed by the emotions that come through mentally walking through a what if reality that we may never face.
Unfortunately, the reality in this broken, imperfect world is that you might actually get bad news.
I’m an optimist, and for most of my life I had operated in the place that HOPE equals the belief that I wouldn’t get the bad news I was dreading. Bad things like that only happen to other people. It’s fine….it will be fine.
Years of infertility, and then breast cancer have redefined hope for me.
What we need most is a hope that doesn’t disappoint. Romans 5:5 tells us that “hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
That’s the kind of Hope we need in this “things could go either way” waiting room. There exists a hope that is steadfast no matter the circumstances you’re facing. What kind of hope is that? Hope that can’t be dashed when you get the news you are fearing. When I think about hope, that’s the kind of hope I want.
Earthly hope does disappoint. You might not be pregnant. You might go bankrupt. You might have cancer.
There is only one Hope that does not disappoint – and that is Hope in Him. The secret is in the next phrase – “the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. The steadfast love of God, that we experience through the Holy Spirit is our hope. Our Hope has to be planted firmly in HIM; not the outcome.
We need truth that is CERTAIN, when the future feels UNCERTAIN. In those times, I’ve written prayers, acknowledging these truths and asking God to restore my hope in Him. If you’re in this difficult middle place today, cling to these truths, get quiet before the Lord, and pray these prayers with all your might – ask God to restore your Hope in HIM today.
- God is good, and His plans for you are good.
Heavenly Father, my soul is in turmoil today as my future feels uncertain. You are a good, good Father and I’ve seen your faithfulness throughout my life. Thank you for your unfailing love for me. Lord, give me eyes of faith to see that what I’m facing can actually be GOOD, although it feels so very BAD. I cannot understand your ways~ Lord help me to believe that whatever comes into my life you can work together for good, even when things don’t seem good or feel good. Lord you are faithful, your very character is steadfast Love. Help me to hope in you, not in the outcome of my circumstances.
2. God isn’t surprised
Father, before you even created me, you authored my days. Before I even lived one, you knew every single thing I would face. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. You are sovereign and in control. You’ve numbered and ordered my days; help me to trust you. I see so imperfectly, yet you see my life through your perfect eyes of love.
3. God will give you grace to endure.
You O Lord, are a God of endless grace. You graciously provide just enough grace for each day. If my journey takes me into the valley, I know you’ve gone ahead of me and proivded all that I need in advance. Help me to confidently walk, even through darkness, toward Your light, and pick up Your provisions along the way. Your mercies are new every morning. Help me to see these new morning mercies each day, and praise you for them. When you created me, you had two purpose for my life. To glorify you and enjoy you forever. I pray you would enable me to both bring you glory, and have joy in the midst of whatever faces me.
4. God is with you.
Jesus, you promised us that you would be with us, even to the end. Fellowship with you in the midst of uncertainty is one of your sweetest promises. Because You endured the cross, bearing my sin and shame, you will never forsake me. You draw near to the brokenhearted, as a compassionate friend who understands suffering. Even when I cannot formulate a thought or a prayer, You’re there, at the right hand of God the Father, interceding perfectly for me. Help me to fix my eyes on you, Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before you. Through my relationship with You, infuse unshakable joy into my soul. Use this difficult time to draw me even closer to your heart, as you deepen my roots of faith in you.
5. Eternity is everything.
Father, this life is broken, but I’m so thankful that this isn’t all that there is. Thank you for granting me the Hope of Heaven. Thank you, Lord, for your covenant with me, that is an everlasting covenant. Please give me a heavenly perspective, and remind me that my future is secure in you; bound up in heaven. This life is just a mere breath, where I see glimpses of the beauty that awaits me in heaven. Lord help me to steward my time here on earth well, as I keep my eyes heavenward. Lord give me faith to believe “the best is yet to come”.
In Jesus name,
Amen
How are you encountering God in your waiting room of uncertainty today?
