Tick-tock goes the clock. Countless hours have been spent waiting for doctors in cold, stark exam rooms. What am I waiting for? If I’m more than fifteen minutes late they can give away my time to someone else, yet I have to twiddle my thumbs when I’m prompt and they’re running late. At last the whites of their eyes appear, and I’m given 10 minutes at most to converse and ask questions. Why wait? It comes down to need. Their knowledge, skill and expertise are needed to treat what ails me. Getting rid of cancer obviously necessitates much more than a band-aid. This disease is beyond one’s own ability to vanquish. So here we are; myself and many other patients – just waiting.
I wonder what the medical professionals think when those of us with cancer are on their treatment schedule? Once we’re finally called I guess I can’t blame them if they rush through the procedures without making eye contact or small talk. After all it can’t be easy seeing so many people with serious illnesses and yet a little TLC would make it seem more worth the wait. Since I will be scanned, tested and poked for years to come I need to learn what the Lord is doing in me through playing the waiting game. Here I am in a situation beyond my control, in a place I’d spent most of my life trying to avoid. What am I supposed gain from this? Among other things, the Lord wants me to comprehend His desire to increase my dependence on Him. I’ll bet my readers can relate to that. God’s Word is chock full of teachings on the benefits of patience.
Moses and the Hebrews were stuck between the Red Sea and the Egyptians who were in hot pursuit. ‘And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." (Exodus 14:13-14)’ Stand still and let the Lord fight this battle. It’s no coincidence that when we step aside and allow the Lord to exercise His strong arm the outcome is so much better than we could have ever planned. Would I not want the Lord to do His best to overthrow the enemy threatening my life?
Being patient doesn’t come naturally to me. I’m more inclined to dive in and get it done. Reflecting back on attempts to hurry up and solve problems, I’ve admittedly noticed missteps along the way. Open loopholes, terrible misunderstandings and the need for damage control may be left in the wake of the take charge approach. The scriptures teach; “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1:4) Impetuous, hasty decisions may leave out steps that are critical and crucial to God’s best for me. When it comes to my health I don’t want to be lacking anything. Maybe a better way to look at the doctor’s delay with entering the room is they are still gathering all the information needed for a complete plan of care?! Maybe the waiting time is a good time to pray for wisdom, for my doctor, for the receptionist or whoever may cross my path. A simple verse – a simple reminder to conclude this topic: “Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14)
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What a great reminder! There is something amazing that happens as we wait on the Lord. It doesn't mean I let my mind go blank, but instead, cease from striving in my own strength, and instead labor diligently to enter His rest. Only when I wait on the Lord do I acknowledge that He truly is my Lord. Side note: I suppose I'll have to apply this to waiting in traffic and checkout lines. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, my love. Be longsuffering toward those other shoppers.
ReplyDelete