Jesus in the Waiting – When You Feel Overwhelmed
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[c] from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Daniel 3:16-18 NIV
It looked more like an airport than a clinic - security checkpoints, information desks scattered throughout the building. Not wanting to be late for my first appointment, I scanned the building for anyone who looked like they could tell me where I needed to go.
My heart beat fast. Not only was I in another state it was also my one chance to see if the doctors could give me some needed answers to my illness. Anxious thoughts filled my mind. Once I found the check-in desk, the gentleman said, “Don’t worry we are here for you.”
His calming tone began to erase my anxious thoughts. As a I settled in a chair, I looked around the waiting room. I saw people facing worse conditions. Wheelchairs, and walkers blanketed the room. All of us sought hope and answers. Hope in what feels like a hopeless situation and answers to an illness. Some sat quietly; others played games on their iPhone; others stared at the floor probably wondering what news the test result would bring.
Emotions filled my heart. Lord, is my faith strong enough to carry me the distance? Then a man broke the silence as he came out of the testing area. “I did it. I made it through the testing,” he exclaimed throwing his arms up in the air in victory. His wife joined him, kissed him, and told him how proud she was of him. Everyone smiled at him. The nurse told him he was free to go. He turned to us. “Before I leave, I want to say something, “May God bless each of you.” He then turned in my direction and looking straight at me, said “God will bless you.”
God used a man going through his own pain and struggles to cheer up a sober waiting room and remind us that God is with us through whatever we are facing. Just like the Bible says, there was a fourth person in the fire. God is in our fiery trials it never gets too hot for Him.
So, no matter how difficult your situation is, know that God is always there walking alongside you, regardless of your fire storm - whether it is illness, financial challenges or grief. He is there right beside you.
Mitzie Avera
