Romans 8:26-27 NIV — In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

At some point or another, each of us find ourselves waiting. Sometimes our waiting is short-lived, but often we find ourselves in a waiting season. My friend shared with me that in the military this is called “hurry up and wait.” If we look at the grand scheme of life we are all in a “hurry up and wait” mode and in a waiting room for our eternal life with Christ. 

Often when I am in a waiting season I am unsure of what to pray. Today’s featured scripture is a comfort to me. Even when I don’t know what to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for me and for that I am thankful.

How do you respond to waiting seasons? What do you do while you wait? As Chrisitans, our first response should be prayer. May we never lose our focus on Christ and may we surrender our steps to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your Holy Spirit interceding on my behalf. Give me strength and courage to surrender and allow the Holy Spirit to guide me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Romans 8:28 NIV — And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

I once found myself in a hospital waiting room twice within a couple weeks. The first time I was waiting as my father-in-law was in surgery. Many family members gathered with us and shared stories and memories while one led us in prayer. I remember feeling so many emotions and thinking how at that moment, all my other worries were less important. 

The second time I waited for my turn to go in for a procedure. The doctor was running behind so I waited with my husband for a couple of hours. As we waited I observed and listened to the life stories of others around me. One lady talked nonstop, probably due to nervousness, about the procedure her nephew was about to undergo. One man waited as his wife had a procedure done following a miscarriage while another man waited as his wife had a leg amputated. My worries and concerns about my impending procedure suddenly seemed so minor and unimportant. The families in the waiting room with me had much bigger reasons for worry. Yet, God was present and waiting with each of us. I took a few moments away from my own concerns to silently pray for each of the families and situations present with me in the waiting room that day.

Who do you know that is in a waiting room season and needs prayer? How can you share the goodness of God with them today?

Let’s pray. Dear God, as I wait today, open my eyes to the situations around me. Allow me to be an instrument of peace and love to others as they wait. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Psalm 27:13-14 NIV — I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Oftentimes in life we find ourselves in some type of waiting room: dentist, lawyer, car dealership, doctor, hospital, etc. Some waiting rooms are still and quiet while others are noisy and full of energy. Think of places you have been in and had to wait. What were some of the emotions you felt and witnessed? If you were the one waiting to have your name called, what did you do while you were waiting? Write down some of your thoughts and feelings on waiting and waiting rooms.

Let’s pray. Thank you Lord for Your goodness. Give me strength as I wait. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Psalm 27:13-14 NIV — I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Romans 8:18-30  NIV —  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

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Take some time today to listen to Still God by Anne Wilson. Pay attention to the words Anne uses to remember that no matter what, God is still our unchanging God.

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Acts 20:24 NIV — However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Years ago, while doing a Bible study by Rick Warren, I was shaken to the core when he asked, “Who will be in heaven because of you?” Wow! What an important question to ponder. Take some time to read this devotion by Rick Warren. As you read, open your heart and mind to God’s message for you. What will be your response? How will you make an impact?

Who Will Be In Heaven Because Of You?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for giving me the opportunity to spread the Good News. Continue to remind me of the urgency and importance of the Great Commission. Guide and direct my steps as I share Christ with others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@pastorrickwarren 

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1 Peter 2:9 NIV — But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 

You and I have an important job. Our number one job should be our ministry for Christ. We should be aware of and intentional about the impact we make in His name. The world tells us life is about getting ahead and making a name for ourselves, but as Christians our responsibility is to always point to Jesus. On this Think About It Thursday, spend some time listening to the lyrics of Only Jesus by Casting Crowns. Examine your heart and actions. Are you making an impact on the world around you? Do others see “only Jesus” in your walk and talk? How are you declaring “the praises of him who called you out of darkness”?

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for moments when my words and actions are not pointing to You. Equip me to make disciples and to be worthy of being called a member of Your royal priesthood. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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