2019 has had a rough start for our family. My mom spent five
days in the hospital with heart problems. Then my Aunt Jan suffered a heart
attack and needed stents. This past weekend Dick spent 23 hours in the hospital
with intense pain from a pinched nerve in his neck—pain that hasn’t really let
up while he undergoes further assessments.
On top of all of these health challenges, add frigid weather
with snow squalls. Although our temps only dropped slightly below zero, it created
many closings and cancelations. However, at my daughter’s, the high for
Thursday was -35 with windchills of -52!!! In the words of my grandson, “This
is just insane!”
February couldn’t come soon enough. Waiting in hospital
rooms and doctor’s offices for test results or some sort of treatment gets old quickly.
Even with jigsaw puzzles, computer games, and movie channels, waiting for the
snow to stop or the temperature to rise in order to get out of the house wears
thin.
Most of us don’t do waiting very well—not in any realm. We
get impatient at the seemingly snails’ pace of progress in many things in life.
We pray for God to act, NOW. However, Scripture encourages us to above all,
trust in the slow work of God.
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
For everything there is a season, and a time for every
matter under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take
courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:14)
The Bible is full of people who had to wait. An article
at biblemesh.com gives us some insight into waiting on God: “At times, God’s
delays produced more glory for Him and a greater miracle for us to witness, as
when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead rather than healing his sickness (John
11:1-44). Sometimes God’s delays were merciful, giving people an opportunity to
repent before judgment (2 Peter 3:3-13). Sometimes God’s delays strengthened
the faith of His people while they waited. Other times the delays increased or
tested their perseverance in following Him. (Exodus) Still other times the reason
for the delays remained a mystery. But God’s slowness to act never meant He
wasn’t going to.”
So, here’s hoping February brings warmer temps, improved
health, and a better perspective on waiting! Thankfully, my mom and aunt are
doing well now. Prayers for Dick are appreciated.
Be encouraged!
Pam©2019 Pamela D. Williams
Comments welcome via Facebook or writepam71@gmail.com.
