We’ve been talking this week about peace and waiting. It’s been a long day, but I didn’t want to make either of us wait to keep the story going.

Over the next couple days, I want to talk about things to do while we are waiting. For whatever.

First, I’d suggest that we pray.

It’s the counsel of Paul. To not devote our time to worry but instead to tell God about the things that are worrying us. “And the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your head and heart in Christ Jesus.”

Notice that Paul doesn’t say, “Don’t worry, be happy.” He says, “Don’t worry. Talk to God about all of it.”  

Often in praying, we pray for an outcome. We are asking God for a specific solution, for a particular story line.

Over the past few years, I find that I lean toward asking God for people to live their lives as he would if he were they.

For a physician, to have all the humble wisdom of God to ask for insights and thoughts and actions that would show what can – and what cannot – be done.

For a family member, to have the courage to push and courage to accept. Knowing that some of us will be leaning toward acceptance when pushing for more insight and activity is the right thing to do. Knowing that some of us will keep pushing for one more minute, one more test, when accepting that the time has come is the right thing to do.

There is wisdom to be granted by God in this.

If there is time, if an answer is not demanded in the moment, then asking God for indifference is an option.

Indifference in this case means saying, “whichever the outcome, whatever the outcome, I receive it with the strength God provides.”

But it’s hard to have this conversation, to think indifference through when there is adrenaline coursing through our veins. But we can still talk with God about whatever as we start waiting.

We’ll talk more about the next steps tomorrow.

Thanks for coming along.