The experience of being in a hospital waiting room awaiting news of a loved one or friend who is having surgery can be stressful. Depending on the length of the wait, we may find ourselves drawn to those who are also waiting. People whom we might have never met in any other circumstance can become close confidants because of this shared experience.

In her book, It Must Have Been a Monday, Jill Briscoe compares the “waiting room” experience to Christians struggling with trials. Another translation of the word “wait” is “hope.” We can develop the attitude of waiting to see what God will do with the difficulty with hope, confidence, and even anticipation. And just as we find a mutual bond with those in physical waiting rooms, God blesses us with individuals who are sharing our spiritual waiting rooms because of similar difficulties.

Paul expresses thankfulness for the Thessalonians who were growing in faith in the Father and love for each other because of difficult circumstances. So we, too, can grow closer to God and others as we wait-together.

Waiting for closure always dissolves or exposes the caliber of my faith, the intensity of my patience and trust, and the shape of my character.
- Jill Briscoe