It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. (Lam. 3:26)

I DROVE PAST A HOSPITAL and saw a big sign that flashed, “Only twenty minute wait for emergency room.” Why would anyone advertise that if you have an emergency you should come in knowing that you will have to wait for twenty minutes for someone to take a look at you? I go to an emergency room only if I have an emergency. I don’t go there to wait—I go there to get immediate attention.

If God knows how desperate our situations are, He certainly won’t make us wait before He does what we need to have done, will He? If, for some reason, we have to wait longer than seems reasonable, it is hard to wait quietly. But the Lord has taught me that in His timing He will bring salvation to my situations. I know that what He does will be far better than what I could have accomplished if I had done it my way.

The Lord will often lead us into His waiting room. It may not seem like it at the time, but it’s for our good. If you find it difficult to wait, use it as an opportunity to thank Him for what He has done for you already and praise Him for His goodness to you. It may help the time go by more quickly.

Cultivate a spirit of gratitude to replace the practice of complaining.

 Ken Heer was the author of Ancient Fire (WPH), pastor, and community director. He passed away prior to this publication.

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