In Genesis 8:9-11, we read that Noah sent a dove out of the ark a few times hoping for signs his water journey was near an end. The waiting must have been tough.
We all have times in our lives when we wait. Perhaps it’s a phone call telling us our children are home from school. Maybe we are waiting at a traffic light or the timer on the oven. Sometimes our waiting is longer, and our hearts and mind find it difficult.
Recently, I had to wait. Five days after my annual mammogram, the nurse called and said the radiologist wanted an ultrasound. The initial shock hit me hard. The earliest appointment I could get was 11 days later—11 days of waiting. The next week was good; I didn’t worry about the ultrasound or its potential results. But a couple of days before the appointment, I began to worry. My mind played tricks on me.
It was reminded of a verse I memorized years ago: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, NIV). I was furious that the prowling, roaring lion caused me to listen to the enemy. The morning of my appointment, I read my devotions (which I usually do in the evening) and it read: “You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay” (Psalm 40:17, NIV).
Turns out, my results were benign. I told the doctors I’d see them next year.
The next time that roaring lion is prowling around, I’m going to tell him to stop, to leave! I’m going to remember what the psalmist said: “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” (Psalm 27:13-14, NIV).
Not all of us get the results we hope for, but we can be confident that God is with all of us each step of the way. Memorized Bible verses and God’s goodness can see us through.
What Bible verses have you memorized that are important to you?
Gwen Edwards is serving a second term on the Women of the ELCA executive board and lives in Bellevue, Nebraska.
Photo of roaring lion photo is used with permission: Eric Kilby, Creative Commons