At the Olive Garden
by David Owen
by David Owen
"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run
and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint". Isaiah 40:31 NKJV
There are many scriptures throughout the Bible that speak about waiting on the Lord. The above verse in Isaiah is strong. The word “wait” is defined as “1.To remain inactive in readiness or expectation; 2.To delay serving; 3.To act as an attendant or servant; 4.To attend as a waiter.” Which definition(s) apply to the verse above? Waiting on the Lord isn’t about folding our arms, tapping our foot, or casting our eyes toward heaven and sighing. If you apply definitions 1 and 2 to waiting on the Lord, all you’ll be doing is burning daylight. In Isaiah 40:31, those who wait on the Lord mount up, run, and walk.
My oldest son used to work in our local Olive Garden restaurant. He was one of their top waiters. Waiters serve the restaurant’s patrons. He put all of himself into his job. He attended to his customers with enthusiasm, friendliness, helpfulness, and patience. He was on his feet most of the shift, hustling from one table to the next. He took their orders and made suggestions so customers could make an informed meal-choice (AKA “sell-ups”). The end result was sore feet, personal satisfaction, and some huge tips on his tables.
When we wait on the Lord, let’s serve Him! Let’s be “Kingdom focused” waiters and waitresses. Serve Him with enthusiasm by being friendly and helpful to others. Be patient when it comes to unanswered prayers, sore feet, difficult tasks, or difficult people. Help them make informed spiritual choices. The end result? Our Heavenly Father’s satisfaction, our contentment, and the work will be rewarded with many crowns at His table in Heaven.
