Lessons learned while waiting in line

For many of us waiting is one of the hardest lessons to learn. I have discovered that one of the best ways to wait is to ask the question: “Lord, what are you teaching me through this?”

We all have a tendency to think of God’s teaching lessons as being for someone else. Like the first humans in the garden of Eden we can see others in need of God’s instruction better than we can see ourselves. Or perhaps we look at the situations far too narrowly. If we can only figure this out or work harder than we can quit waiting. I’m all for the fact that we should work diligently along side of prayer.  But what you and I must understand is that anytime we are waiting, and find our selves anxious, worried, or frustrated our anxiety is linked to one thing: our need for control.

Think of that the next time you’re standing in line. You have an agenda. You have things to do. No one in front of you understands that do they? You are simply trying to control what’s on your plate that day, and so you grow increasingly frustrated because it’s not working out the way you planned.

Next time you stand in line for anything, ask yourself “What is God teaching me through this moment?”  So often we think the only lesson we’re going to learn from waiting is patience. Patience is a side benefit of waiting; it is not the sole purpose. Anytime we are frustrated in our waiting – It is always about control.  Doesn’t God know our schedules and our events for the day? Although we aren’t in control of the events of our lives He is.

A friend of mine says it this way: Every trial has a note attached: “Made in heaven just for you.” That’s the essence of what Paul said in Romans 5:3-5 when he wrote, “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”