What to Do in God's Waiting Room

Here are four things you can do while you wait on God.

I spent several years as a volunteer assisting visitors in the hospital’s ICU (Intensive Care Unit) waiting room. Some had short stays, while some were there for weeks.

The visitors felt helpless while they waited. Since their time with the patient was limited, their lives now revolved around one small waiting room with a TV, chairs, and a coffee station.

Joseph was one of many people in the Bible who found himself in life’s waiting room.

He became an expert at biding his time when he spent thirteen years in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. (Genesis 39)

He could’ve become bitter and forsaken God, but he didn’t.

What can we do if God has us in a season of waiting?

Here are four things we can learn from Joseph’s experience:

#1 - Trust God

He didn’t know if he would ever be free again, but He didn’t let his circumstances break his faith.

When we cannot see God’s plan, we must trust He is still working. Whatever our outcome, His ways are higher than our ways. (Isaiah 55:9)

#2 - Have Patience

Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart;”
Psalm 27:14a (NKJV)

After eleven long years, Joseph finally got a chance to be released from prison when he interpreted the cupbearer’s dream. Disappointment came as the cupbearer never came back to help him.

It would be another two years before Joseph was able to gain freedom.

I’m sure he had many days where he was overwhelmed by discouragement, but God doesn’t work on our timetable. He had to have patience and perseverance.

#3 - Rely on God’s strength.

God’s strength will sustain us through the waiting process. (Psalm 46:1)

If we try to do it in our own power, we will fail. Our strength is fragile; His is indestructible.

#4 – Be faithful while we wait.

God was faithful and used Joseph during that time. Because the Lord was with Joseph, He allowed the warden not to be concerned with anything under Joseph’s care.

Under God’s blessing, Joseph worked hard and was shown favor. He did his best in the situation he was given, and our calling is the same. (Genesis 39:20-23)

Sitting in God’s waiting room is never a waste of time, and we are never alone. (Hebrews 13:5-6)

There is purpose and meaning in every day of our lives. (Psalm 139:16)

Dear Lord, help me to have patience and rely on your strength to wait while you work out your plan for my life. During this time, help me to be obedient and faithful to You.