The Waiting Room: A Place of PurposeSample

Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart

I know, you're probably wondering how and why should we be thankful in a time of waiting. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 encourages us that "in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. We may not see the future that God has in store for us, we may not understand why God puts us through a situation, a loss, or a season in the wilderness, but God is a God of purpose. 1 Peter 5:10 says "After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be]. We have to look past the current hardship and look at the works of God's hands within our experience in the waiting room. While we wait, God is putting things in place. He is confirming us, strengthening us, and establishing us according to His will. We have to give Him thanks with a heart of gratitude for all He has done and all He will do.

In God's waiting room, reflect and thank God for:

1. His Presence: Thank God for His ever-presence in the waiting room. He has been with you every step of the way. He has heard your prayers and has heard your cries. Thank Him for He is near. His word says in Psalms 23:4, Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.

2. His Promises: His promises are YES! and AMEN! Every promise and word He has declared over your life shall be fulfilled. Thank Him that He has a thoughts to prosper you, give you hope, and lead you to that expected end.

3. His Time: Give thanks for He will make everything beautiful and appropriate in His time. The times and seasons are in His hands. His word says in 2 Peter 3:8 that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day. He will show up at the right time, and you will discover that your time in His waiting room is never time waisted but worth the wait.

4. His Provision: Reflect on the many ways God has provided for you in the waiting room, whether it's financially, emotionally, or spiritually. Show gratitude for the provision He has poured out to you in your time of waiting.

5. His Love: Give thanks to God for His everlasting love for you. Think about the atonement of love made on the cross so that you would be deemed acceptable in the eyes of God. Romans 8:28 says, "All things will work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His plan and purpose." Pour out your love back to God today. Show Him how grateful you are for the purpose He has for you in His waiting room.

What are you thankful for in God's waiting room?