GOD’S WAITING ROOM FOR HEAVEN
We’ve been spending time with my 90-year-old mother-in-law in Florida. The senior retirement neighborhood she lives in has been described as “God’s waiting room” because it is where people come to spend their last years until God calls them home. No one knows when the time will be, who will be next or who will be here a long time. But they know their next move is into eternity.
When I first heard this mentioned it surprised me. What a way to see life! But it didn’t take long to realize they were being realistic. By accepting things as they are these people can better adjust and enjoy the time they have here.
So I’ve been thinking as I go places here (we are in Florida as I write this). It’s almost like the whole state of Florida is a waiting room for God’s call. In fact, many places around the USA, and the world, are the same. In effect, isn’t the whole earth just one big waiting room for when God calls us into His presence (for heavenly bliss or eternal separation)? And aren’t we all, no matter our age, waiting to be ushered into the presence of the King of the Universe? After all, God can call the name of anyone, any age, at any time.
So think about that for a minute. You, whatever your age and wherever you live, are in God’s waiting room called “life on earth.” One day each and every one of us will be called, but we don’t know the order in which He will call us. Are you ready if tomorrow is the day you are called home? Are you spending your time waiting wisely for His call or return? Or are you just passing time trying to get the most temporary pleasure you can until it’s your turn?
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die,
Philippians 1: 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
Today think about your day and time as if you were in a literal waiting room waiting for God to call your name and escort you into eternity. Does that excite you? Or scare you? If you aren’t overjoyed then ask God to show you what needs to change so you can anticipate with pleasure your call home.
by Rev. Dr. Jerry Schmoyer, Christian Training Organization